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Stamford Mysteries #2
Murder Most Antique
Who knew a harmless town fair could be so polarising – or so deadly?
When auctioneer Felicia Grant’s best friend, Stamford Mayor Cassandra Lane, talked her into helping with the town’s annual Georgian Fair, she expected the worst she’d have to endure was the corset. But when the fair’s headline speaker turns up dead in the hook-a-duck pool, and more murders follow in quick succession, she finds herself investigating a serial killer for the second time in less than a year – and this time the stakes are even higher…
When auctioneer Felicia Grant’s best friend, Stamford Mayor Cassandra Lane, talked her into helping with the town’s annual Georgian Fair, she expected the worst she’d have to endure was the corset. But when the fair’s headline speaker turns up dead in the hook-a-duck pool, and more murders follow in quick succession, she finds herself investigating a serial killer for the second time in less than a year – and this time the stakes are even higher…
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2023
108 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 27, 2023
EXCERPT: Coming back here had been good for them all, she concluded, turning her face to the sun with a contented sigh. Algernon had been right when he insisted on it. Now, if it weren't for the unpropitious string of murders which seemed intent on accompanying her every move, she might even be able to take her father's advice and relax just a . . .
Her eyes snapped open. Suddenly, she'd become aware of a prickling sensation across the back of her neck. A tingle of awareness she'd become uncomfortably well-acquainted with during the spring.
Someone as watching her.
ABOUT 'MURDER MOST ANTIQUE': Who knew a harmless town fair could be so polarising – or so deadly?
When auctioneer Felicia Grant’s best friend, Stamford Mayor Cassandra Lane, talked her into helping with the town’s annual Georgian Fair, she expected the worst she’d have to endure was the corset. But when the fair’s headline speaker turns up dead in the hook-a-duck pool, and more murders follow in quick succession, she finds herself investigating a serial killer for the second time in less than a year – and this time the stakes are even higher…
MY THOUGHTS: In one word - disappointed.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Death at the Auction, and was looking forward to this, the second in the series. It was beset by too many characters, too much filler in extraneous details and unnecessary dialogue. Although there was a lot happening with bodies quickly appearing here, there and everywhere, there wasn't much investigation going on. I lost interest well before the killer was exposed and had seriously debated abandoning the read. In hindsight, I wish I had.
If you are planning on reading this, and please do check out other more positive reviews, you will need to have read #1 in the series, Death at the Auction, which lays the foundation for all the complicated relationships in Murder Most Antique.
One interesting tidbit that I did learn was that in the 1700s pig grease was used instead of hairspray to keep hair in place.
⭐⭐
#MurderMostAntique #NetGalley
I: @harpercollinsuk @onemorechapterhc
T: @HarperCollinsUK @OneMoreChapter
THE AUTHOR: E.C. Bateman is a novelist and antique jewelry specialist. Having made the questionable decision to marry an auctioneer, she moved to Stamford and dreamt up the idea for this series whilst living in a converted Georgian flat overlooking St. Mary’s Church in the heart of town. They’ve since decamped to the surrounding countryside with their baby daughter but can still be spotted around the cobbled streets on a regular basis, usually being dragged along by their effervescent cocker spaniel, Audrey.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via NetGalley, for providing a digital ARC of Murder Most Antique by E.C. Bateman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Her eyes snapped open. Suddenly, she'd become aware of a prickling sensation across the back of her neck. A tingle of awareness she'd become uncomfortably well-acquainted with during the spring.
Someone as watching her.
ABOUT 'MURDER MOST ANTIQUE': Who knew a harmless town fair could be so polarising – or so deadly?
When auctioneer Felicia Grant’s best friend, Stamford Mayor Cassandra Lane, talked her into helping with the town’s annual Georgian Fair, she expected the worst she’d have to endure was the corset. But when the fair’s headline speaker turns up dead in the hook-a-duck pool, and more murders follow in quick succession, she finds herself investigating a serial killer for the second time in less than a year – and this time the stakes are even higher…
MY THOUGHTS: In one word - disappointed.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, Death at the Auction, and was looking forward to this, the second in the series. It was beset by too many characters, too much filler in extraneous details and unnecessary dialogue. Although there was a lot happening with bodies quickly appearing here, there and everywhere, there wasn't much investigation going on. I lost interest well before the killer was exposed and had seriously debated abandoning the read. In hindsight, I wish I had.
If you are planning on reading this, and please do check out other more positive reviews, you will need to have read #1 in the series, Death at the Auction, which lays the foundation for all the complicated relationships in Murder Most Antique.
One interesting tidbit that I did learn was that in the 1700s pig grease was used instead of hairspray to keep hair in place.
⭐⭐
#MurderMostAntique #NetGalley
I: @harpercollinsuk @onemorechapterhc
T: @HarperCollinsUK @OneMoreChapter
THE AUTHOR: E.C. Bateman is a novelist and antique jewelry specialist. Having made the questionable decision to marry an auctioneer, she moved to Stamford and dreamt up the idea for this series whilst living in a converted Georgian flat overlooking St. Mary’s Church in the heart of town. They’ve since decamped to the surrounding countryside with their baby daughter but can still be spotted around the cobbled streets on a regular basis, usually being dragged along by their effervescent cocker spaniel, Audrey.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via NetGalley, for providing a digital ARC of Murder Most Antique by E.C. Bateman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 29, 2025
Murder Most Antique is the 2nd-book in E.C. Bateman's Stamford Mysteries series.
I really enjoyed the 1st-book in the series, Death at the Auction, and have been eagerly anticipating this follow-up.
This Cozy Mystery series follows Felicia Grant, whose has returned to her home village of Stamford to help her Dad run their family-owned Auction House.
In this installment, Felicia has been convinced by her best friend, Cassie, Stamford's Mayor, to assist with the town's annual Georgian Fair. Felicia is mildly put out, but she tries her best to grin and bear it. She's hoping the lavish period costumes will be the worst she'll have to endure.
When the headline speaker is found dead though, it's clear this isn't going to your average fair. As more bodies drop, Felicia finds herself trying to track down another killer.
Who says small town life is boring?
I enjoyed this. It's a good book, but I didn't have as much fun with it as the installment. It seemed to drag for me for some reason. It just felt overly-long and I wasn't super intrigued by the mystery.
It does kick-off quickly, with a person missing before you are even 10% in, but after that, I don't know, it just never really took off for me.
Yeah, I don't really know what else to say. Sadly, it just wasn't a gripping read for me. At the end of the day, I'm still proper attached to these characters and hope that the series continues.
I really enjoy Felicia so much, but I hope if there is another installment that it brings back a bit more of her humor. This one almost felt too serious for her. It sort of lost some of the dynamic magic amongst the characters from the 1st-one.
I would recommend this series for anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries that feature small town, or village, life. The amateur sleuthing vibes are on point and I am looking forward to seeing more of Felicia and friends.
Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't a new favorite, I am really hoping we get more books in the series.
I really enjoyed the 1st-book in the series, Death at the Auction, and have been eagerly anticipating this follow-up.
This Cozy Mystery series follows Felicia Grant, whose has returned to her home village of Stamford to help her Dad run their family-owned Auction House.
In this installment, Felicia has been convinced by her best friend, Cassie, Stamford's Mayor, to assist with the town's annual Georgian Fair. Felicia is mildly put out, but she tries her best to grin and bear it. She's hoping the lavish period costumes will be the worst she'll have to endure.
When the headline speaker is found dead though, it's clear this isn't going to your average fair. As more bodies drop, Felicia finds herself trying to track down another killer.
Who says small town life is boring?
I enjoyed this. It's a good book, but I didn't have as much fun with it as the installment. It seemed to drag for me for some reason. It just felt overly-long and I wasn't super intrigued by the mystery.
It does kick-off quickly, with a person missing before you are even 10% in, but after that, I don't know, it just never really took off for me.
Yeah, I don't really know what else to say. Sadly, it just wasn't a gripping read for me. At the end of the day, I'm still proper attached to these characters and hope that the series continues.
I really enjoy Felicia so much, but I hope if there is another installment that it brings back a bit more of her humor. This one almost felt too serious for her. It sort of lost some of the dynamic magic amongst the characters from the 1st-one.
I would recommend this series for anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries that feature small town, or village, life. The amateur sleuthing vibes are on point and I am looking forward to seeing more of Felicia and friends.
Thank you to the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't a new favorite, I am really hoping we get more books in the series.
November 23, 2023
Auctioneer Felicia Grant has moved back to Stamford & her best friend, Mayor Cassandra Lane has talked her into helping with the town’s annual Georgian Fair. When the fair’s headline speaker turns up dead in the hook-a-duck pool, and more murders follow in quick succession, she finds herself investigating a serial killer for the second time in less than a year.
The second book in the series & it could easily be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I really like Felicia & like how her relationships with her ex-husband Dexter, son Algernon, DS Pettigrew are developing. There were red herrings as well as the usual twists & turns, I didn’t work out who the murderer was & I must admit it came as a bit of a shock as I liked the murderer. Quite a long book which held my interest all the way through, I look forward to more from Felicia & friends
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & it could easily be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I really like Felicia & like how her relationships with her ex-husband Dexter, son Algernon, DS Pettigrew are developing. There were red herrings as well as the usual twists & turns, I didn’t work out who the murderer was & I must admit it came as a bit of a shock as I liked the murderer. Quite a long book which held my interest all the way through, I look forward to more from Felicia & friends
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 18, 2023
Mixed feelings for this one, the story wasn't bad in fact, it was good but, it did meander along a little too much which spolit it for me. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
I enjoyed this but found it a bit slow and ponderous compared to the first in the series. I like the characters and setting and would read more in the series but not sure that Stamford could support that many more murders. Descriptions of the town and feelings of the lead characters sometimes get in the way of complex plots and some of the characters in the first book have now been killed off. Will replacements be introduced ?
January 24, 2024
5 stars.
Really enjoyed this! Nicely set in a small town, colorful characters, interestingly twisted plot.
Though it is book 2 in the series, it can be read alone.
Meanwhile I am hoping there will be soon book 3))
Really enjoyed this! Nicely set in a small town, colorful characters, interestingly twisted plot.
Though it is book 2 in the series, it can be read alone.
Meanwhile I am hoping there will be soon book 3))
May 25, 2024
A very good listen. Excellently narrated. Plot good and characters developing well from book 1. Hopefully there will be a book 3. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2023
There’s just something totally fabulous about British cozy mysteries, and this series is an example of why I love them so much. The only thing is that I felt this century was a little jerky compared to the first entry. I know it’s hard to get a Series going and I don’t even keel, so I’m looking forward to the third entry and hoping that will set everything right and propel the series forward on a more even keel.
July 12, 2024
It pains me that this could have been such a good series if only the main plot was at the centre of it and not scattered occasionally here and there; moreover, when there is finally some major happening, it is still not clear enough provoking a lot of annoyance to the reader/listener.
I was hoping this book would have been more to the point, but I found it exactly the same as the first one; I was rather disappointed that it was again hard to piece all the pieces together being there so much of everything else.
I was hoping this book would have been more to the point, but I found it exactly the same as the first one; I was rather disappointed that it was again hard to piece all the pieces together being there so much of everything else.
October 27, 2023
I found this book to be chaotic. It was all over the place with the settings, investigating, suspects and well everything. I liked the kid, the rest not so much. Their personalities are all over the place. #MurderMostAntique #NetGalley
November 25, 2023
Really enjoyed this second installment in this series. The characters are strong and believable and I enjoy that they aren't perfect. I also enjoy the historical setting. I had no idea who the murderer was at all so I think that is a great aspect.
I did hope there would be more development of the mysterious couple who keep showing up but maybe that will be resolved in the next installation (if there is one!).
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, all opinions are my own.
I did hope there would be more development of the mysterious couple who keep showing up but maybe that will be resolved in the next installation (if there is one!).
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review, all opinions are my own.
November 13, 2023
It was a pleasure to return to Stamford in the company of Felicia, Cassie, Algernon and the rest. In Murder Most Antique, EC Bateman's second book in her series set in the town, Felicia once again becomes involved in solving a murder or two. In spite of warnings from the local Detective Sergeant she is inexorably drawn to find out why the main attraction at the Georgian Fair has drowned in the hook-a-duck pool.
I enjoyed this sequel and I hope there will be more to follow. And that seems likely as there are certainly loose ends waiting to be tied up.
I enjoyed this sequel and I hope there will be more to follow. And that seems likely as there are certainly loose ends waiting to be tied up.
February 15, 2024
I enjoyed Death at the Auction, but this sequel was just silly. Messy writing and the later murders were not believable. I enjoy the characters and setting though, so I’ll probably try the next one.
December 20, 2023
This second in the Stamford series is an English village mystery, with the lead character, Felicia Grant, being an auctioneer in a long-established family antiques business. She has returned to her home town from London with her young son, Algernon, while her ex-husband, Derek, is also on the scene, having had his antiquities-hunter TV show recently cancelled. Other regular characters are DS Pettifer, a police detective and former star rugby player, Felicia’s best friend Cassie, who is the town’s mayor, and a dark and handsome man with a past who keep crossing Felicia’s path.
Cassie dragoons Felicia into participating in the town’s Georgian Fair, which promises to attract many tourists and bring attention and money to the town. But it also brings negative attention in the form of some local protests, and the discovery of the dead body of a woman who was to have given a talk as part of the fair. As the bodies stack up, with the killings seeming to be related to the Georgian theme, Felicia finds herself once again in the thick of a murder investigation.
It’s not absolutely necessary to read the first in the series, Death at the Auction, to follow this story, but I would recommend it for a full background to the characters. Otherwise, I think this book’s many characters might be confusing. I like the characters, but I would have liked to see more of Algernon in this one, as in the first. I also thought the plotting was a bit all over the place. I enjoyed it, but would consider it a fairly average-to-good book in the village mystery genre.
A note about the audiobook: Not recommended in audiobook form. The reader does a dreadful job voicing Derek and Pettifer. They both have hollow, fruity, almost lugubrious voices and sound like they’re at least 20 years older than the characters seem to be.
Cassie dragoons Felicia into participating in the town’s Georgian Fair, which promises to attract many tourists and bring attention and money to the town. But it also brings negative attention in the form of some local protests, and the discovery of the dead body of a woman who was to have given a talk as part of the fair. As the bodies stack up, with the killings seeming to be related to the Georgian theme, Felicia finds herself once again in the thick of a murder investigation.
It’s not absolutely necessary to read the first in the series, Death at the Auction, to follow this story, but I would recommend it for a full background to the characters. Otherwise, I think this book’s many characters might be confusing. I like the characters, but I would have liked to see more of Algernon in this one, as in the first. I also thought the plotting was a bit all over the place. I enjoyed it, but would consider it a fairly average-to-good book in the village mystery genre.
A note about the audiobook: Not recommended in audiobook form. The reader does a dreadful job voicing Derek and Pettifer. They both have hollow, fruity, almost lugubrious voices and sound like they’re at least 20 years older than the characters seem to be.
August 10, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder Most Antique is the second Stamford mystery by E.C. Bateman. Released 23rd Nov 2023 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's a substantial 369 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series is also currently available on KU.
Cozy mysteries set in and around the antiques trades are wildly popular, and this is a good one. MC Felicia is an auctioneer, and once again is drawn into investigating a sudden death which is soon followed by bodies left, right, and centre. The first book in the series was lightly humorous, but this installment has a more serious vibe (could be the body count).
There's a distinct Agatha Raisin vibe, and fans of MC Beaton, Deanna Raybourn, and Richard Osman will probably like this series as well. The resolution and denouement were as expected. This is the second book, and it doesn't work particularly well as a standalone read.
Three and a half stars. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, home use, or possibly a short binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder Most Antique is the second Stamford mystery by E.C. Bateman. Released 23rd Nov 2023 by HarperCollins on their One More Chapter imprint, it's a substantial 369 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series is also currently available on KU.
Cozy mysteries set in and around the antiques trades are wildly popular, and this is a good one. MC Felicia is an auctioneer, and once again is drawn into investigating a sudden death which is soon followed by bodies left, right, and centre. The first book in the series was lightly humorous, but this installment has a more serious vibe (could be the body count).
There's a distinct Agatha Raisin vibe, and fans of MC Beaton, Deanna Raybourn, and Richard Osman will probably like this series as well. The resolution and denouement were as expected. This is the second book, and it doesn't work particularly well as a standalone read.
Three and a half stars. It would make a good selection for public library acquisition, home use, or possibly a short binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 17, 2024
Reposted from CB Book Reviews on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2NzcDmtT...
The first fiction review of 2024!
This is the 2nd book in EC Bateman’s Stamford Mysteries Series; the first of which, Death at the Auction, I very much enjoyed and rated 4/5.
This second instalment is set roughly 6 months after the events of the first, and is centred around the town hosting a Georgian Fair to boast of its heritage; but before the festivities can even start, a body is found. As more unsolved murders take place, with each becoming more public and seemingly no link between them, even Stamford is forced to abandon the weekend of frivolities in order to catch a serial killer.
What I liked about this book is exactly the same as in the first, in that being local I can envisage some of the areas being mentioned, and that the conclusion is well hidden and you find yourself deep into the story without any clue as to who is behind it all.
However, I feel that to truly appreciate this book, you need to have read the first in recent memory, as it does reference aspects of relationships and previous experiences which are otherwise lost. I also feel that whilst they are mentioned in periods, some of the characters play a sideline role and are not developed further within this book.
Once again this is a solid read that I have enjoyed, and I look forward to a 3rd instalment which I understand is on the way!
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2NzcDmtT...
The first fiction review of 2024!
This is the 2nd book in EC Bateman’s Stamford Mysteries Series; the first of which, Death at the Auction, I very much enjoyed and rated 4/5.
This second instalment is set roughly 6 months after the events of the first, and is centred around the town hosting a Georgian Fair to boast of its heritage; but before the festivities can even start, a body is found. As more unsolved murders take place, with each becoming more public and seemingly no link between them, even Stamford is forced to abandon the weekend of frivolities in order to catch a serial killer.
What I liked about this book is exactly the same as in the first, in that being local I can envisage some of the areas being mentioned, and that the conclusion is well hidden and you find yourself deep into the story without any clue as to who is behind it all.
However, I feel that to truly appreciate this book, you need to have read the first in recent memory, as it does reference aspects of relationships and previous experiences which are otherwise lost. I also feel that whilst they are mentioned in periods, some of the characters play a sideline role and are not developed further within this book.
Once again this is a solid read that I have enjoyed, and I look forward to a 3rd instalment which I understand is on the way!
January 27, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: I enjoyed the previous book but I think I am now hooked with this second one. Felicia’s returned home to run the family auction house when her crotchety father is indisposed. Her seldom do well ex husband arrives shortly thereafter supposedly to reconnect with their precocious son. Not only is she good at valuing antiques but she has a good eye for detail and helped the local police solve several murders. A slew of deaths during the Georgian Fair seem suspicious to her, although the police seem to think they are not murders…that is until someone is poisoned in front of a crowd of people.
The plot definitely thickens. It is only when Felicia begins to look at how the murders connect and how they differ that she gets the insight into whom the villain is. I had suspected but was saddened when the killer was revealed. I will not say why because it would spoil the suspense and the mystery is too good to ruin.
Five purrs and two paws up.
The plot definitely thickens. It is only when Felicia begins to look at how the murders connect and how they differ that she gets the insight into whom the villain is. I had suspected but was saddened when the killer was revealed. I will not say why because it would spoil the suspense and the mystery is too good to ruin.
Five purrs and two paws up.
March 14, 2024
Let me just start by saying that this three star rating will not prevent me from buying the next book in the series. I still enjoyed the overall ambiance of the writing, but the story itself was a bit lagging.
The first half of the book took place in one day, and while I liked looking at the plot from different viewpoints I didn’t need as much character introspection as I got. I am not too put out by this because I think the purpose of all those extra words was to flesh out the main characters of the town even more; the people that we will keep seeing in the next books. And I like those people.
All in all I am still looking forward to the next installment, Hopefully it is a five star read this time around.
The first half of the book took place in one day, and while I liked looking at the plot from different viewpoints I didn’t need as much character introspection as I got. I am not too put out by this because I think the purpose of all those extra words was to flesh out the main characters of the town even more; the people that we will keep seeing in the next books. And I like those people.
All in all I am still looking forward to the next installment, Hopefully it is a five star read this time around.
February 27, 2024
So I really enjoyed the first book. The main character is fun, her son isn't the stereotypical annoying preteen brat and the buddy cop relationship she had with the police sergeant was refreshing. That said the second one really missteps with a lot of plot points. It's doubles the body count for no other reason than to be dramatic and the murderer is not only a disappointing but really comes out of nowhere for me. Also there's too much focus on bullshit male characters that I think the author wants us to find charming or misunderstood when they're just full of shit. It's still funny and has some good red herrings to keep you reading but it's not a patch on the first book.
February 5, 2024
It was a pleasure to return to Stamford in the company of Felicia, Cassie, Algernon and the rest. In Murder Most Antique, EC Bateman's second book in her series set in the town, Felicia once again becomes involved in solving a murder or two. In spite of warnings from the local Detective Sergeant she is inexorably drawn to find out why the main attraction at the Georgian Fair has drowned in the hook-a-duck pool.
I enjoyed this sequel and I hope there will be more to follow. And that seems likely as there are certainly loose ends waiting to be tied up.
I enjoyed this sequel and I hope there will be more to follow. And that seems likely as there are certainly loose ends waiting to be tied up.
April 14, 2024
As I hoped, the second book in this series is better than the first. There are a lot of interesting characters and they are being well developed. I especially enjoy the relationship between the policeman and the main character - it's based on mutual respect rather than physical attraction for a change.
My only complaint, and it definitely is one, is the probability of two mass murders in one small town barely months apart. It's hard suspending disbelief in cozy murder series when there's only one death, and I find this scenario difficult to swallow.
My only complaint, and it definitely is one, is the probability of two mass murders in one small town barely months apart. It's hard suspending disbelief in cozy murder series when there's only one death, and I find this scenario difficult to swallow.
April 24, 2024
Cosy but not cloying - very enjoyable
An engaging second offering from this author. The crimes keep on coming in Stamford and have an unpleasant habit of falling in the lap of recently returned local auctioneer, Felicia Grant. The characters are relatable and I always appreciate crime novels where the main police character is not a deeply tortured soul.
I listened to the audio version which was well read with excellent accents and animation. I will definitely read on in this series if the author writes another one.
An engaging second offering from this author. The crimes keep on coming in Stamford and have an unpleasant habit of falling in the lap of recently returned local auctioneer, Felicia Grant. The characters are relatable and I always appreciate crime novels where the main police character is not a deeply tortured soul.
I listened to the audio version which was well read with excellent accents and animation. I will definitely read on in this series if the author writes another one.
April 30, 2025
After the first in the series, this was a disappointment. The pacing was off and despite there being a lot of plot and a picturesque setting at a historical fair, not much engaged my interest. The solution seemed to come out of nowhere, and the following denoument and explanations felt flat and interminable. In addition, both the men the main character is somewhat attracted to are really dislikeable: self-aggrandising and self-pitying respectively. E.C. Batemnan knows how to write, stylistically speaking, but that couldn't save a novel that just felt like a dull mess.
February 1, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed listening to this book! It’s a complicated mystery, with a lot of characters (maybe a couple too many), a great setting, and all comes together well in the end. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one is definitely a step up. Very well narrated too. I should have made myself a cast of characters. It would have helped me while listening to. Perhaps the physical editions have one.
I really enjoyed listening to this book! It’s a complicated mystery, with a lot of characters (maybe a couple too many), a great setting, and all comes together well in the end. I enjoyed the first book in the series, but this one is definitely a step up. Very well narrated too. I should have made myself a cast of characters. It would have helped me while listening to. Perhaps the physical editions have one.
July 7, 2024
Murder Most Antique is a charming cosy crime novel and it was lovely to read a book about the place where I grew up, the novel evoked memories of the Georgian fair which I had completely forgotten about, I only wish that the book did not have so many curse words but other than that I loved it!
I cannot wait to read the next instalment and find out what the future holds for Felicia, Dexter and Algernon, especially with all those Guinea Pigs to look after!
I cannot wait to read the next instalment and find out what the future holds for Felicia, Dexter and Algernon, especially with all those Guinea Pigs to look after!
November 24, 2023
2 1/2 stars. This is the second in a series of which I did not read the first. That may explain why I felt lost with all the people. Overall, it was a fairly typical cozy that was a decent mystery. I did learn some things about the auctioning world.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 29, 2023
This was part of the Stamford Mysteries series. I remember reading a previous book in the same series, and I enjoyed reading about these characters again. The characters were quite funny, and the story in general was entertaining. If you like humorous cosy mysteries, you may like this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
February 16, 2024
Perfect portrayal of middle England
I enjoyed this book immensely. Lots of laugh out loud moments, red herrings, and such evocative images of balmy weekends in Stamford. An easy but captivating read and whilst it follows a familiar formula, it does so beautifully. I can't wait for the next one in this series
I enjoyed this book immensely. Lots of laugh out loud moments, red herrings, and such evocative images of balmy weekends in Stamford. An easy but captivating read and whilst it follows a familiar formula, it does so beautifully. I can't wait for the next one in this series
August 22, 2024
Stamford seems like the kind of place I'd love to visit with its georgian architecture and old world feel, but I'm a bit worried about the number of murders taking place recently....
I loved that incidental characters from the first book in the series made totally random appearances. I can't help hoping that their chance of a more central role might come in one of the later books.
I loved that incidental characters from the first book in the series made totally random appearances. I can't help hoping that their chance of a more central role might come in one of the later books.
February 10, 2024
A good series that is becoming a favourite. Well plotted, likeable characters, a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's highly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's highly recommended
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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