Deadly Prospect

Antique Shop Mysteries #12

by Elizabeth Penney

Murder raises the stakes when Maggie Watson visits an isolated island that holds the key to a 1920s artist’s disappearance.

Somerset Harbor, Maine, is abuzz with the news that a lost painting by famed 1920s artist Edmund Brooks may exist and the priceless artwork just might be located on nearby Prospect Island, where Edmund vanished in 1925. Hired to inventory one of the enchanting summer cottages on the island, Maggie Watson can't help but Does Briarcliffe Cottage hold more than antique books and porcelain teacups . . . does it hide the clues needed to solve these decades-old mysteries?

To complicate matters, tempers are flaring on the island as billionaire investor Peter Stratton unveils plans to demolish homes and remodel almost every square inch into an exclusive resort. It appears that no one but Peter wants his plan to work, but what is he willing to do to succeed? And to what lengths will the local residents go to ensure that he doesn't? Maggie must untangle the mysteries of both today and yesteryear before tragedy strikes again.

This clever whodunit from Annie’s Antique Shop Mysteries series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, antiques, New England, and female friendships.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2025

About the author

Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include old houses and gardens, past/present mysteries, and the arts. Maine, where she grew up, England, and Italy are favorite settings.

Elizabeth is the author of several mystery series from St. Martin's as well as over fifty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Reviews

[Jen]

This is the best one so far. I've only read two but it's lovely.

[Jo Anne]

Maggie, Ina and Ruth leave Somerset Harbor for Prospect Island, where they have been hired to assess an old beach house's antiques for sale. Of course there's a mystery--a famous painter died on the island in the 1920s and his final painting went missing. But, did the painter commit suicide, did he accidently fall from a cliff and drown or was he murdered? No body was ever found. The story flips between the summer of 1925 and the present day. Maggie and her friends from the historic society deal with break-ins at the cottage and a few very suspicious people. Was one capable of murder?

[Lis Sigona]

1/5/26 - 1/6/26
Deadly Prospect (Antique Shop Mysteries #12) by Elizabeth Penney
The 12th novel in this series! It’s only getting stronger and more mysterious as the series goes on. Maggie, owner of Carriage House Antiques, has been asked to inventory a “cottage” (more like a mansion of antiques dating as far back to at least 1925 when it was first was inhabitant by the owner’s niece. As usual there is always events and issues take place when Maggie gets involved. But in the end Maggie, Ina, Ruth and Kate the owner of the “cottage” get to the bottom of all the mysteries involved!

[Amy]

The book was really good! Although the beginning was slow at first. I couldn’t get it in until they were at the cottage house, that’s when shit went down. You would think by the cover the book would be boring, but like it was actually really chaotic and fun to read

[Brenda Bignall ✨]

Satisfying Read! 🌳🌼🐈

The story is filled with interesting people, most of whom are admirable. Noah the cat stands in for Snickers who stays at home with a cat sitter. 😻 Have fun!!! ❤️✨🌊🦞

[Layla Bunch]

This book was amazing!! I’ve read every book in the series that comes before this, and I have to say it’s in the top two (with Pieces from the Past). Absolutely 5 stars. Definitely give this one a read!

[Charline Romine]

The Picture

Well, that was exciting! Maggie took her friends Ina and Ruth for an appraising job. They got caught up in the island lore as they counted and appraised everything in the cottage. Many things happened including several break-ins, and fire. Oh my!

[Ali]

A secluded island and missing art from the 1920's, the setting and atmosphere were great! The same cozy feel with Maggie and her friends made more enjoyable and interesting with the island setting and diary entries dispersed through the story. I loved getting more time with Ina and her sass!

[Dedra]

Book 12 of the Antique Shop Mysteries. My favorite so far.

[Mary Beth]

Foound this book at a book sale and am glad I did. Got the feel for Downeast Maine and the small island life. Good characters and good storyline. Quick and easy read for a snowy afternoon.

[Irene Marston]

very good mystery series

[Donna]

Great characters, lovely setting, solid storyline…kept me guessing until the very end! This series never disappoints!

[Susan]

Maggie Watson continues to find mysteries in her antique-filled life.

[PottWab Regional Library]

A