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Antique Hunter’s #3
The Antique Hunter's Murder in the Castle
The third novel in the “delightful, page-turning” (Tom Ryan, USA TODAY bestselling author) Antique Hunter Series finds Freya, Aunt Carole, and friends searching for a missing colleague in picturesque Scotland.
Hot on the heels of an art forger, a member of the Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency disappears while investigating an isolated castle deep in Scottish countryside. Freya and Aunt Carole race to her last known location and arrive in the wintry, snow-covered Scottish Borders.
At the castle, they discover that a murdered laird in the vegetable garden and his priceless collection of silverware has been stolen. Local police believe Freya’s missing team member was involved with the robbery and murder...but where is she now?
As a snowstorm descends on the castle, Freya and Carole call in back-up to help uncover what happened that fateful night. As each question is met with more mystery, the clock is ticking to find their friend and the murderer before they are cut off from the outside world.
Another delightfully gripping and endearing mystery, the Antique Hunter’s Series provides “great characters, great story, and you’re always eager for the next one” (Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants).
Hot on the heels of an art forger, a member of the Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency disappears while investigating an isolated castle deep in Scottish countryside. Freya and Aunt Carole race to her last known location and arrive in the wintry, snow-covered Scottish Borders.
At the castle, they discover that a murdered laird in the vegetable garden and his priceless collection of silverware has been stolen. Local police believe Freya’s missing team member was involved with the robbery and murder...but where is she now?
As a snowstorm descends on the castle, Freya and Carole call in back-up to help uncover what happened that fateful night. As each question is met with more mystery, the clock is ticking to find their friend and the murderer before they are cut off from the outside world.
Another delightfully gripping and endearing mystery, the Antique Hunter’s Series provides “great characters, great story, and you’re always eager for the next one” (Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants).
304 pages, Hardcover
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
C.L. Miller
17 books137 followersC. L. Miller is the internationally bestselling author of the Antique Hunter Series. She started working life as an editorial assistant for her mother, Judith Miller, on The Miller’s Antique Price Guide and other antiquing guides. She lives in a medieval cottage in Dedham Vale, Suffolk, with her family.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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March 17, 2026
Cosy at the Castle
A review of the NetGalley ARC eBook of the Atria Books hardcover/eBook/audiobook to be published March 17, 2026.
It was a bit odd getting an offer on March 11, 2026 from Atria Books/NetGalley for this book to be published on March 17, 2026 which allowed for only 6 days to read it. But it also came with free downloads of the first 2 books in the series, so it was an offer I couldn't refuse. It became a rush read to the finish 😅. The limited time did not allow for any proper reading of the previous books.
This is not recommended as a standalone as there is quite a lot of backstory from the first 2 books which is constantly referred to. The fates of earlier characters are also revealed, so it is a spoiler for the earlier stories. I thought I was piecing most of it together but reveals kept surprising me throughout. It didn't help that the present day characters are also regularly hiding information from each other about identities and motives. So it was often a frustrating read.
On the positive side, the premise of a group of antique hunters becoming involved with chasing down forgeries and stolen antiques is a great one for a cosy mystery. The central setting of a castle in Scotland made for an atmospheric locale even if the regular consumption of shortbread, scones and hot toddies was a bit over the top. Still there were some delightful characters here, especially Aunt Carole who was the regular comic relief and the go-getter who both mentors and motivates her niece Freya Lockwood forward in the adventure.
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance ARC copy for which I provide this honest review.
Trivia and Links
Cara Miller is the author of the Antique Hunter's (2024-ongoing) series of cozy mystery novels, of which the first The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder (2024) is currently the most popular on Goodreads. Her knowledge of antiques comes through the connection of her mother Judith H. Miller (1951-2023) for whom she worked as editorial assistant on various editions of the Antiques Price Guide 2008 and as a researcher for the Judith Miller Antiques Hunter's Guide to Europe (2001).
A review of the NetGalley ARC eBook of the Atria Books hardcover/eBook/audiobook to be published March 17, 2026.
It was a bit odd getting an offer on March 11, 2026 from Atria Books/NetGalley for this book to be published on March 17, 2026 which allowed for only 6 days to read it. But it also came with free downloads of the first 2 books in the series, so it was an offer I couldn't refuse. It became a rush read to the finish 😅. The limited time did not allow for any proper reading of the previous books.
This is not recommended as a standalone as there is quite a lot of backstory from the first 2 books which is constantly referred to. The fates of earlier characters are also revealed, so it is a spoiler for the earlier stories. I thought I was piecing most of it together but reveals kept surprising me throughout. It didn't help that the present day characters are also regularly hiding information from each other about identities and motives. So it was often a frustrating read.
On the positive side, the premise of a group of antique hunters becoming involved with chasing down forgeries and stolen antiques is a great one for a cosy mystery. The central setting of a castle in Scotland made for an atmospheric locale even if the regular consumption of shortbread, scones and hot toddies was a bit over the top. Still there were some delightful characters here, especially Aunt Carole who was the regular comic relief and the go-getter who both mentors and motivates her niece Freya Lockwood forward in the adventure.
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance ARC copy for which I provide this honest review.
Trivia and Links
Cara Miller is the author of the Antique Hunter's (2024-ongoing) series of cozy mystery novels, of which the first The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder (2024) is currently the most popular on Goodreads. Her knowledge of antiques comes through the connection of her mother Judith H. Miller (1951-2023) for whom she worked as editorial assistant on various editions of the Antiques Price Guide 2008 and as a researcher for the Judith Miller Antiques Hunter's Guide to Europe (2001).
March 23, 2026
My interest in this series was really because my mother always had copies of Miller’s Antiques Price Guides around the house. It was this author’s mother who wrote those. I’m not a big reader of traditional whodunnit mysteries but I enjoyed this. I’ll probably go back and read the previous two books in the series but this one works as a standalone. It’s a book that my mom definitely would have liked.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC.
March 21, 2026
If a book gives me antiques, a remote Scottish castle, a snowstorm, and a corpse in a vegetable garden, I’m in. That’s not a preference, that’s a personality trait. The Antique Hunter's Murder at the Castle was my first trip into the world of Freya Lockwood and the Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency, a group whose official job is tracking down stolen antiques and art… but whose unofficial hobby appears to be stumbling into murder investigations.
And honestly? What an introduction. The trouble starts when Bella, one of the agency’s more mysterious members and clearly someone who makes bold choices for a living, heads to a remote Scottish castle while following a forgery lead. She calls Freya with a garbled message, the connection cuts out, and then she disappears completely.
Which is already concerning. It becomes more concerning when Freya and her Aunt Carole arrive at the castle and discover the laird dead in the vegetable garden and a collection of valuable silver missing.
The local police immediately decide Bella probably did it, which feels like a very lazy conclusion considering the castle is absolutely overflowing with people who look like they’ve been rehearsing suspicious behavior for years.
From there the book settles into peak cozy mystery chaos. Snowstorm closing in. A castle full of secrets. Family tensions bubbling under the surface. Forgery drama. Missing antiques. Everyone wandering around like they might either confess to murder or dramatically faint in the hallway.
The setting is doing some heavy atmospheric lifting here and I loved it. A snowy Scottish castle is already suspicious before anyone dies. Add a locked-in mystery and suddenly every hallway feels like it’s hiding a clue, a secret passage, or at minimum someone dramatically lurking with information they absolutely should have shared earlier.
But the thing that really worked for me was the team dynamic. Even as a brand-new reader, it’s easy to click into how this group functions.
Freya is determined and smart but clearly still adjusting to the reality that she’s now the one running the operation. Aunt Carole walks into the story like a fabulous hurricane of confidence and mischief. She is fearless, slightly chaotic, and operating with the kind of energy that suggests she absolutely will question suspects over tea while everyone else tries to maintain basic social norms.
Sky handles the tech side of things like a hacker wizard, while FBI art crime agent Phil circles the investigation with that subtle “maybe we’re flirting but also solving crimes” energy that cozy mysteries love to simmer in the background.
Now full honesty moment. This was my first book in the series, which means I essentially wandered into book three like someone who accidentally started a murder show in season three and decided to just roll with it.
And you actually can. The mystery itself stands on its own, but there are definitely moments where you can feel the history between these characters. Instead of being confusing, though, it mostly made me curious. Like walking into a friend group mid-conversation and immediately deciding you want the backstory.
So yes, I will absolutely be going back for the first two books.
The mystery itself is fun and twisty, even if the middle slows a bit while all the suspects and secrets get shuffled around. There are a lot of moving pieces here, stolen silver, family drama, forged art, and several people being just evasive enough to make you want to shake them gently.
I had a few guesses about the culprit but did not fully piece together the motivation until the reveal, which is honestly the sweet spot for a cozy mystery. Let me feel clever for a minute and then pull the rug out from under me. All told, this lands at about a 3.5 star read for me. Charming, atmospheric, and just messy enough to be entertaining, with a cast that made me immediately curious about the earlier books.
Also if future installments include more castles, more antique crime, and Aunt Carole continuing to bulldoze politely through social situations in the name of justice, I will absolutely be seated.
Whodunity Award: For Making a Scottish Vegetable Garden Feel More Dangerous Than Most Dark Alleys
And a big thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC, which I devoured while side-eyeing every decorative item in my house like it might be evidence.
And honestly? What an introduction. The trouble starts when Bella, one of the agency’s more mysterious members and clearly someone who makes bold choices for a living, heads to a remote Scottish castle while following a forgery lead. She calls Freya with a garbled message, the connection cuts out, and then she disappears completely.
Which is already concerning. It becomes more concerning when Freya and her Aunt Carole arrive at the castle and discover the laird dead in the vegetable garden and a collection of valuable silver missing.
The local police immediately decide Bella probably did it, which feels like a very lazy conclusion considering the castle is absolutely overflowing with people who look like they’ve been rehearsing suspicious behavior for years.
From there the book settles into peak cozy mystery chaos. Snowstorm closing in. A castle full of secrets. Family tensions bubbling under the surface. Forgery drama. Missing antiques. Everyone wandering around like they might either confess to murder or dramatically faint in the hallway.
The setting is doing some heavy atmospheric lifting here and I loved it. A snowy Scottish castle is already suspicious before anyone dies. Add a locked-in mystery and suddenly every hallway feels like it’s hiding a clue, a secret passage, or at minimum someone dramatically lurking with information they absolutely should have shared earlier.
But the thing that really worked for me was the team dynamic. Even as a brand-new reader, it’s easy to click into how this group functions.
Freya is determined and smart but clearly still adjusting to the reality that she’s now the one running the operation. Aunt Carole walks into the story like a fabulous hurricane of confidence and mischief. She is fearless, slightly chaotic, and operating with the kind of energy that suggests she absolutely will question suspects over tea while everyone else tries to maintain basic social norms.
Sky handles the tech side of things like a hacker wizard, while FBI art crime agent Phil circles the investigation with that subtle “maybe we’re flirting but also solving crimes” energy that cozy mysteries love to simmer in the background.
Now full honesty moment. This was my first book in the series, which means I essentially wandered into book three like someone who accidentally started a murder show in season three and decided to just roll with it.
And you actually can. The mystery itself stands on its own, but there are definitely moments where you can feel the history between these characters. Instead of being confusing, though, it mostly made me curious. Like walking into a friend group mid-conversation and immediately deciding you want the backstory.
So yes, I will absolutely be going back for the first two books.
The mystery itself is fun and twisty, even if the middle slows a bit while all the suspects and secrets get shuffled around. There are a lot of moving pieces here, stolen silver, family drama, forged art, and several people being just evasive enough to make you want to shake them gently.
I had a few guesses about the culprit but did not fully piece together the motivation until the reveal, which is honestly the sweet spot for a cozy mystery. Let me feel clever for a minute and then pull the rug out from under me. All told, this lands at about a 3.5 star read for me. Charming, atmospheric, and just messy enough to be entertaining, with a cast that made me immediately curious about the earlier books.
Also if future installments include more castles, more antique crime, and Aunt Carole continuing to bulldoze politely through social situations in the name of justice, I will absolutely be seated.
Whodunity Award: For Making a Scottish Vegetable Garden Feel More Dangerous Than Most Dark Alleys
And a big thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC, which I devoured while side-eyeing every decorative item in my house like it might be evidence.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I really liked the blurb of this one but I think I made a mistake. This is the third title in a series and it absolutely cannot be read as a stand alone. The reason I quit reading at 25% is that I had great difficulty following the story because of all the information in between about who was who and what happened to them in the first two books in the series.
So, nicely written, and I think I would come to learn to like the characters, but to do that I would have to go back and read the other two books in this series first.
Thanks to Atria and Edelweiss for this review copy.
So, nicely written, and I think I would come to learn to like the characters, but to do that I would have to go back and read the other two books in this series first.
Thanks to Atria and Edelweiss for this review copy.
January 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This series is good, and the antique-hunting-meets-murder concept is still something I really enjoy. That said, by book three it does start to feel a bit repetitive at times, like the story is following a familiar path. I still appreciate the idea behind the series though. It’s a fun premise and clearly knows what it wants to be.
The middle of the book felt long and a little heavy, with a slow build that may work for some readers but dragged for me personally. I did really appreciate the mention of Scotland. A castle setting always adds atmosphere, and that detail was a nice touch.
Carol, though? She’s a highlight. I really enjoy her character and hope we continue to see more of her because she brings a lot of personality to the story.
One thing I do want to note, especially since this is an ARC, is that there were quite a few grammar and formatting issues throughout. I noticed random dashes breaking up words, odd spacing like three or four spaces between words, and some outright misspellings. This wasn’t a case of different regional spellings. These were clear errors that made the reading experience a little distracting at times, so I’m hoping they get cleaned up before the official release.
This series is good, and the antique-hunting-meets-murder concept is still something I really enjoy. That said, by book three it does start to feel a bit repetitive at times, like the story is following a familiar path. I still appreciate the idea behind the series though. It’s a fun premise and clearly knows what it wants to be.
The middle of the book felt long and a little heavy, with a slow build that may work for some readers but dragged for me personally. I did really appreciate the mention of Scotland. A castle setting always adds atmosphere, and that detail was a nice touch.
Carol, though? She’s a highlight. I really enjoy her character and hope we continue to see more of her because she brings a lot of personality to the story.
One thing I do want to note, especially since this is an ARC, is that there were quite a few grammar and formatting issues throughout. I noticed random dashes breaking up words, odd spacing like three or four spaces between words, and some outright misspellings. This wasn’t a case of different regional spellings. These were clear errors that made the reading experience a little distracting at times, so I’m hoping they get cleaned up before the official release.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like the concept of this series, and I've enjoyed the books but they are starting to feel repetitive to me. I also felt like this one lagged more in the middle than the others did - it feels like things get drawn out more than they need to be and rather than creating additional tension it's actually pulling away from the tension that already existed.
I do like the characters (particularly Carole!) but the trouble they find themselves in is starting to feel predictable from book to book. There is nothing wrong with that for a lot of readers - I get the comfort of familiarity in series - but it's just not holding my attention as it did in the first book.
I'm also finding the romantic tension to feel a little drawn out. I know this is only book three, but still... I'm not a huge fan of romance as a genre so I like that it is an element of the characters' interactions here as opposed to a major focus, but I still feel like they keep retreading the same ground and need to actually move forward (as opposed to one step forward, two back) to keep that story element fresh.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
I do like the characters (particularly Carole!) but the trouble they find themselves in is starting to feel predictable from book to book. There is nothing wrong with that for a lot of readers - I get the comfort of familiarity in series - but it's just not holding my attention as it did in the first book.
I'm also finding the romantic tension to feel a little drawn out. I know this is only book three, but still... I'm not a huge fan of romance as a genre so I like that it is an element of the characters' interactions here as opposed to a major focus, but I still feel like they keep retreading the same ground and need to actually move forward (as opposed to one step forward, two back) to keep that story element fresh.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
March 1, 2026
The Antique Hunter’s Murder at the Castle is the third book in the Antique Hunter series, and while it’s marketed as a cozy mystery, it reads more like a high-stakes, intricate thriller. It blends a missing-person investigation, a classic whodunit, antiques-underworld intrigue, and a puzzle theft mystery into a tightly woven story. There’s enough backstory to make it work as a standalone, but reading the series in order gives you a much better connection to the ensemble cast and their dynamics. The snowed-in Scottish castle and small-town setting bring the atmospheric, cozy vibes—making it the perfect sweater-weather binge read!
The story follows Freya Lockwood, an expert antique hunter, and her Aunt Carole as they investigate a forgery ring linked to counterfeit paintings. When their colleague Bella, who was tracing the source, goes missing, they head to her last known location: the remote Fawside Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Instead of finding Bella, they discover the murdered laird and a cache of priceless Scottish silverware that is stolen. With the police eyeing Bella as the prime suspect and a snowstorm closing in, Freya and her team must clear her name while uncovering who killed the laird, where the silver went, and how it all connects before they’re cut off.
The story keeps readers hooked through shifting POVs from Bella, Freya, Carole, and India—the murdered laird’s daughter—giving the mystery real emotional depth and a multidimensional feel. Freya’s POV anchors the novel—she’s perceptive and determined and easy to like. Aunt Carole is witty and warm and also offers comic relief while proving herself a worthy partner in the investigation. Bella’s chapters are the most unreliable—she’s resourceful and unpredictable, and her early disappearance casts doubt on her loyalty and motives until she resurfaces and the mystery becomes more complex. Strong supporting characters, including India, the tech-savvy Sky, and steady FBI agent Phil (who also serves as a subtle love interest for Freya), round out the ensemble cast and make this installment especially compelling!
The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths—it's always moving, whether through revealing dialogue or bursts of action. The short, snappy chapters often end on mini-cliffhangers, making it easy to keep turning the pages and very possible to finish in one sitting. The second half delivers unexpected twists, long-buried secrets tied to the castle’s past, and compelling revelations about Bella’s motives and choices. It becomes a fast race to the finish, and by the end the central mysteries are resolved in satisfying ways. At the same time, a few lingering questions—especially surrounding Bella’s future and the wider antiques underworld—leave just enough intrigue to set up another installment in the series.
Overall, Murder at the Castle is an atmospheric, intricately plotted mystery that stands out for its unique blend of antique intrigue, Scottish castles and landscapes, and a puzzle-driven plot that’s nearly impossible to predict. Fans of cozy ensemble-cast mysteries, character-driven whodunits, unreliable narrators, and multiple POVs will easily get lost in this story—and will likely be eager to dive into the earlier books in the series and whatever comes next!
The story follows Freya Lockwood, an expert antique hunter, and her Aunt Carole as they investigate a forgery ring linked to counterfeit paintings. When their colleague Bella, who was tracing the source, goes missing, they head to her last known location: the remote Fawside Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Instead of finding Bella, they discover the murdered laird and a cache of priceless Scottish silverware that is stolen. With the police eyeing Bella as the prime suspect and a snowstorm closing in, Freya and her team must clear her name while uncovering who killed the laird, where the silver went, and how it all connects before they’re cut off.
The story keeps readers hooked through shifting POVs from Bella, Freya, Carole, and India—the murdered laird’s daughter—giving the mystery real emotional depth and a multidimensional feel. Freya’s POV anchors the novel—she’s perceptive and determined and easy to like. Aunt Carole is witty and warm and also offers comic relief while proving herself a worthy partner in the investigation. Bella’s chapters are the most unreliable—she’s resourceful and unpredictable, and her early disappearance casts doubt on her loyalty and motives until she resurfaces and the mystery becomes more complex. Strong supporting characters, including India, the tech-savvy Sky, and steady FBI agent Phil (who also serves as a subtle love interest for Freya), round out the ensemble cast and make this installment especially compelling!
The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths—it's always moving, whether through revealing dialogue or bursts of action. The short, snappy chapters often end on mini-cliffhangers, making it easy to keep turning the pages and very possible to finish in one sitting. The second half delivers unexpected twists, long-buried secrets tied to the castle’s past, and compelling revelations about Bella’s motives and choices. It becomes a fast race to the finish, and by the end the central mysteries are resolved in satisfying ways. At the same time, a few lingering questions—especially surrounding Bella’s future and the wider antiques underworld—leave just enough intrigue to set up another installment in the series.
Overall, Murder at the Castle is an atmospheric, intricately plotted mystery that stands out for its unique blend of antique intrigue, Scottish castles and landscapes, and a puzzle-driven plot that’s nearly impossible to predict. Fans of cozy ensemble-cast mysteries, character-driven whodunits, unreliable narrators, and multiple POVs will easily get lost in this story—and will likely be eager to dive into the earlier books in the series and whatever comes next!
March 21, 2026
3.5 stars
I really liked that this book was Bella-centric, she really is my favorite character in this series. I enjoyed her family drama and the Scottish setting of this mystery. However the other plot of the book was kinda boring to me. Freya, even if she is the main character, came off very two dimensional and her back and forth “romance” with Phil just feels like it’s going nowhere. Hopefully the next book we can finally get some momentum on that front and a truly exciting mystery in Venice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
I really liked that this book was Bella-centric, she really is my favorite character in this series. I enjoyed her family drama and the Scottish setting of this mystery. However the other plot of the book was kinda boring to me. Freya, even if she is the main character, came off very two dimensional and her back and forth “romance” with Phil just feels like it’s going nowhere. Hopefully the next book we can finally get some momentum on that front and a truly exciting mystery in Venice.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
March 24, 2026
"The Antique Hunter's Murder at the Castle (The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder Book 3)" by C. L. Miller is a multi-perspective semi-professional investigators cozy mystery. We have an art theft specialist, antiques specialist, hacker and a woman of a certain age with some serious spy like abilities.
Bella os in Scotland tracking down a lead about some illegal art that may be tied go something she's more personally interested in. She's the black market/art theft specialist. She's grudgingly warming up to being part of Freya's team.
Freya is the antique specialist and sort of main character amongst the multiple pov going on. She inherited Lockwood Antique Hunter's Agency and is an antiques expert. She has a possible budding romance with their FBI contact for their FBI partnership. She and her Aunt Carole track down Bella when she goes silent on an investigation.
Aunt Carole seems to be the longest running member of their agency. She also has some of all their skills with a bit of a spy abilities. She's also frequently the motivation behind some of their more questionable choices. A bit of the comic relief.
They all end up in Scotland to figure out why Bella has gone radio silent on an investigation no one knew about. While there, they stumble on the body of a local laird. Things start to become all wound together leading to solve a few mysteries in one wrap up. This book is fairly standalone but I think reading them in order would help smooth out some background info.
Bella os in Scotland tracking down a lead about some illegal art that may be tied go something she's more personally interested in. She's the black market/art theft specialist. She's grudgingly warming up to being part of Freya's team.
Freya is the antique specialist and sort of main character amongst the multiple pov going on. She inherited Lockwood Antique Hunter's Agency and is an antiques expert. She has a possible budding romance with their FBI contact for their FBI partnership. She and her Aunt Carole track down Bella when she goes silent on an investigation.
Aunt Carole seems to be the longest running member of their agency. She also has some of all their skills with a bit of a spy abilities. She's also frequently the motivation behind some of their more questionable choices. A bit of the comic relief.
They all end up in Scotland to figure out why Bella has gone radio silent on an investigation no one knew about. While there, they stumble on the body of a local laird. Things start to become all wound together leading to solve a few mysteries in one wrap up. This book is fairly standalone but I think reading them in order would help smooth out some background info.
March 24, 2026
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Thank you MacMillian Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review
The Antique Hunter’s Murder at the Castle is a cozy mystery that sweeps you into foggy Scottish hills, with snow-covered castles, and a murder with serious whodunit energy! When Bella, a beloved member of the Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency, disappears while tracking an art forger, Freya Lockwood and her ever-eccentric partner Aunt Carole race off to find her, only to stumble into a chilling murder at an isolated castle. The snowstorm looming over the Highlands only thickens the mystery and the atmosphere as the clock ticks and roads freeze over and the isolation begins to creep in.
Freya, Carole, and the rest of the gang work together through clues, suspects, and castle secrets with humour and heart, giving the plot both suspense and charm. Whether it’s antique lore, snowy Celtic landscapes, or that classic “everyone’s a suspect” intrigue, this instalment delivers a page-turning mystery that keeps you guessing until the last clue is uncovered.
Overall, if you are looking for an atmospheric and clever read, with characters that have bold personalities, The Antique Hunter’s Murder at the Castle is a must add to your TBR!!!
Bookstagram
Thank you MacMillian Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review
The Antique Hunter’s Murder at the Castle is a cozy mystery that sweeps you into foggy Scottish hills, with snow-covered castles, and a murder with serious whodunit energy! When Bella, a beloved member of the Lockwood Antique Hunter’s Agency, disappears while tracking an art forger, Freya Lockwood and her ever-eccentric partner Aunt Carole race off to find her, only to stumble into a chilling murder at an isolated castle. The snowstorm looming over the Highlands only thickens the mystery and the atmosphere as the clock ticks and roads freeze over and the isolation begins to creep in.
Freya, Carole, and the rest of the gang work together through clues, suspects, and castle secrets with humour and heart, giving the plot both suspense and charm. Whether it’s antique lore, snowy Celtic landscapes, or that classic “everyone’s a suspect” intrigue, this instalment delivers a page-turning mystery that keeps you guessing until the last clue is uncovered.
Overall, if you are looking for an atmospheric and clever read, with characters that have bold personalities, The Antique Hunter’s Murder at the Castle is a must add to your TBR!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Atria Books/ Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having not read the previous two books I did not know what I was getting into! I will give this book credit and say that they really flesh out the characters and make their personalities very obvious in case you're new to the story or need a refresher. Carole is a delight and I really enjoyed getting to know her character! I found she made the story more interesting where other characters didn't shine as much.
The story really lagged in the middle and I found myself constantly looking ahead to see how much was left. I would think this kind of mystery/thriller would be a little faster paced- at least that is what I personally prefer. Maybe that's just my American pov. 😅 The story felt really linear and didn't really twist and turn like other mysteries I have tried.
As mentioned in another review the formatting errors were very distracting. Even when it is disclosed that it is an unedited arc I can't help but have that affect how I feel about the book. There were so many including having words with dashes in them where they shouldn't be (as a made up example "encourage-ment"). Again, it takes me out of the experience of the book and I would ask the publishers to consider doing more polished versions for review in the future so we can be as unbiased as possible.
Having not read the previous two books I did not know what I was getting into! I will give this book credit and say that they really flesh out the characters and make their personalities very obvious in case you're new to the story or need a refresher. Carole is a delight and I really enjoyed getting to know her character! I found she made the story more interesting where other characters didn't shine as much.
The story really lagged in the middle and I found myself constantly looking ahead to see how much was left. I would think this kind of mystery/thriller would be a little faster paced- at least that is what I personally prefer. Maybe that's just my American pov. 😅 The story felt really linear and didn't really twist and turn like other mysteries I have tried.
As mentioned in another review the formatting errors were very distracting. Even when it is disclosed that it is an unedited arc I can't help but have that affect how I feel about the book. There were so many including having words with dashes in them where they shouldn't be (as a made up example "encourage-ment"). Again, it takes me out of the experience of the book and I would ask the publishers to consider doing more polished versions for review in the future so we can be as unbiased as possible.
April 26, 2026
I haven't read a good, clean murder mystery in a while. I think this is fun enough to be made into a TV show series. The vibes were immaculate: Scottish castle in the winter snow. Lots of hot coffee. Warm fires. Antiques. A smidge of romantic intrigue (will-they-won't-they but still unresolved).
My only complaint is that there were too many characters, but that's a me thing about any book-- especially mysteries. I struggle with juggling too many POVs and that's just because I'm a simple girl.
My Buddy Reader Awbrey and I picked this out together not knowing this is the third book in the series. So I highly recommend you start with the first book because there are several references and spoilers from the first two books. And not knowing fully the context of the first two books felt a little disorienting especially in the beginning -- like -- characters and their relationships with one another -- plot motiviations, etc.
Fun enough of a good time that I want to go back and read the first two books!
My only complaint is that there were too many characters, but that's a me thing about any book-- especially mysteries. I struggle with juggling too many POVs and that's just because I'm a simple girl.
My Buddy Reader Awbrey and I picked this out together not knowing this is the third book in the series. So I highly recommend you start with the first book because there are several references and spoilers from the first two books. And not knowing fully the context of the first two books felt a little disorienting especially in the beginning -- like -- characters and their relationships with one another -- plot motiviations, etc.
Fun enough of a good time that I want to go back and read the first two books!
March 4, 2026
Anything with ‘Castle’ in the title and I’m probably going to read it. Anything narrated by Emilia Fox and I’m probably going to listen to it. If it’s murder mystery it’s hitting my shelves and this whole audiobook was just success soup for me.
It was an addicting story inhibited only by the fact I came into this one having not had much experience with the characters or prior books in the series so I didn’t have as much of an attachment to them as I might otherwise have had.
It was an amazing audiobook and really well narrated which will have you effortlessly enjoying the story as it’s brought to life from the pages. It’s well worth a listen.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
It was an addicting story inhibited only by the fact I came into this one having not had much experience with the characters or prior books in the series so I didn’t have as much of an attachment to them as I might otherwise have had.
It was an amazing audiobook and really well narrated which will have you effortlessly enjoying the story as it’s brought to life from the pages. It’s well worth a listen.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
May 6, 2026
3.5
These stories do build on each other but read as a standalone too. In book three, Freya and Carole go to look for Bella and find a murdered laird and a forgery ring.
What I liked: I ended up liking the storyline (it was a bit confusing at first). The found family is always a favorite and the group started to work more as a team.
The end resolved quickly but I wouldn’t say it was neatly wrapped up.
Overall a quick enjoyable read.
What didn’t work for me: I read the first two books a bit ago so it was a bit of a struggle remembering all the characters and plot lines.
The storyline was a bit hard to follow at the start of the book.
Who should read it: Cozy mystery fans the found family and the countryside setting has a bit of Thursday Murder club vibes.
These stories do build on each other but read as a standalone too. In book three, Freya and Carole go to look for Bella and find a murdered laird and a forgery ring.
What I liked: I ended up liking the storyline (it was a bit confusing at first). The found family is always a favorite and the group started to work more as a team.
The end resolved quickly but I wouldn’t say it was neatly wrapped up.
Overall a quick enjoyable read.
What didn’t work for me: I read the first two books a bit ago so it was a bit of a struggle remembering all the characters and plot lines.
The storyline was a bit hard to follow at the start of the book.
Who should read it: Cozy mystery fans the found family and the countryside setting has a bit of Thursday Murder club vibes.
April 11, 2026
This was my first time reading the C.L.Miller series and it was easy to slip in and become acquainted with the characters and what was happening. As a cozy mystery it had all of the elements required, including a slow burn romance growing and frienship amoung old and new friends. In fact, the conclusion did a great job of setting the stage for that friend group to expand even further on their next antique mystery. Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
June 6, 2026
I literally had to change from the audiobook to the ebook to finish this story 😂 I was interested enough to finish, but absolutely horrified by the narrator’s southern accent.
I read this book first even though it’s 3rd in a series and didn’t feel too out of the loop (i didnt care about the details i didnt know about) but the references were indeed spoilers to the previous stories, if youre worried about that.
the beginning quarter of the story was extremely repetitive, pacing-wise, but it did pick up. the ending was a bit confusing with all the characters, but by that time, I was honestly just speeding through to finish.
wasnt spectacular, but I still might read a #4! I am interested in the romance storyline when I don’t have to listen to the world’s worst texan accent!
I read this book first even though it’s 3rd in a series and didn’t feel too out of the loop (i didnt care about the details i didnt know about) but the references were indeed spoilers to the previous stories, if youre worried about that.
the beginning quarter of the story was extremely repetitive, pacing-wise, but it did pick up. the ending was a bit confusing with all the characters, but by that time, I was honestly just speeding through to finish.
wasnt spectacular, but I still might read a #4! I am interested in the romance storyline when I don’t have to listen to the world’s worst texan accent!
May 2, 2026
This series is just such an easy read to get into. The characters are all loveable and now we have more of Skye and Bella and I really enjoy them too. I will definitely keep reading this series, as long as the author keeps writing books. I don't know much about antiques, but it's so interesting finding out about the black markets and fakes.
March 5, 2026
This is a great “cozy” mystery, and part of a fantastic series! The characters are becoming more and more “real” with each installment, and the mysteries are just complex enough to be engaging without becoming overwhelming.
April 13, 2026
This is a solid cozy mystery, but I admit that I enjoyed it mostly for the Scottish castle setting. The atmosphere was the highlight as Freya and her Aunt Carole race to figure out who murdered the laird of the castle and stole the priceless silver collection. At the same time, they are also trying to find their missing team member who had last been seen at the Castle. It's filled with family secrets and eeriness.
May 9, 2026
The middle dragged but when they're staying in the castle I really enjoyed the Clue vibes, I just wish that section was longer!
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June 23, 2026I enjoyed every minute of this book and the other two previous books in this series. It’s a good idea to read/listen to them in the order written. Much of the pleasure comes from the characters development.
June 25, 2026
A page turner for sure. The characters were so interesting and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed it as much as the others in the series.
April 4, 2026
Scotland . . . castle . . . snowstorm . . . murder . . . what's not to like?
May 19, 2026
I don't know. These books are okay. I kinda wish they went a little deeper as far as the characters and the mystery. Wish there were more creative breadcrumbs. But it was okay for a quick palate cleanser.
May 1, 2026
The characters are starting to grow on me as newer characters join the group and come into their own. The story line starts out well, but the last 1/3 of the book becomes repetitive and drags. I was honestly wishing the author would just get on with it, and the book would end. As far as the mystery goes, the final connections seemed rather tenuous and did not have much basis in information until the very end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in The Antique Hunter's books but the first of which I've read. That being said, the story was still easy to follow and the characters very loveable. I felt the story flowed the entire time and also showed character conflicts and development throughout. I did guess the who-done-it but wasn't expecting the twist as to the why. I felt like this was a cute, Hallmark like murder mystery book and I'd recommend if you like that type of story. It definitely left me curious to read the first two books in the series. I was given an advanced copy of this book for free from NetGalley and I'm leaving this review from the goodness of my heart.
May 2, 2026
Slightly difficult to keep track of who is who since there are more than a handful of main characters, butninenjoyed the book and definitely want to go back and read others from the series!
There was enough of a resolution at the end to have the main questions answered, but also some aspects that it's clever will have to be answered in future books!
There was enough of a resolution at the end to have the main questions answered, but also some aspects that it's clever will have to be answered in future books!
July 2, 2026
This series continues to intrigue me, but I did feel that I was a bit less connected with the characters in this installment versus the second book. I loved the location and the pacing for this story. If there's another book, I'll probably keep going!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Murder in the Castle is the third installment of The Antique Hunter's series, and it does not disappoint!
Freya and her team band together to help one of their own when Bella goes missing while investigating a forgery ring and murder. The plot twists will keep you guessing until the end! Enjoyable series!
Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Freya and her team band together to help one of their own when Bella goes missing while investigating a forgery ring and murder. The plot twists will keep you guessing until the end! Enjoyable series!
Thank you Atria Books and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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