The Mystery of the Stolen Snuffbox: A cozy crime mystery set in an English village

by Judith Cutler

Antiques Roadshow meets Agatha Christie! Visit the cosiest corner of the Kent countryside in this page-turning whodunit featuring a funny, feisty antique dealer turned amateur sleuth.

A day out at the village fete leads to deadly danger for Lina the warm, independent novice antique dealer with an uncanny nose for a bargain and a talent for sniffing out trouble!

The last way Lina wants to spend a summer afternoon is manning a bric-a-brac stall at the village fete. But when her old friend Robin, the local vicar, begs for help, she can hardly refuse.

The table is piled high with junk, but among the clutter a cheerful little parrot ornament catches Lina’s eye. Less appealing is the tatty silver snuffbox tucked away in the corner — until someone tries to steal it, and Lina begins to wonder what she’s missed.

Still, when she absent-mindedly slips the box in her pocket for safe keeping, she has no idea she’s just made herself a target.

Because someone wants that snuffbox. Badly. And they’ll stop at nothing to keep its secrets hidden — even if it means silencing Lina for good. Soon, her life is turned upside down by danger, deceit, and a most unexpected murder.

This delightful traditional mystery series is perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Lovejoy, Clare Chase, M.C. Beaton, Simon Brett, Margaret Yorke and The Thursday Murder Club — and anyone who enjoys a good rummage in an antique shop!

Please note, this book was previously published as Guilty Pleasures, and has been lightly edited for language.

READERS LOVE THE MYSTERY OF THE STOLEN SNUFFBOX:

‘Lots of action and clever writing make this an exceptional addition to this traditional series.’ Publishers Weekly

‘[An] enchanting mix of murder and antiques.’ Publishers Weekly

‘Former foster child Lina, who narrates the story, is an appealing character who is always working to better herself.’ Booklist

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘More, more, more!’ Carlin

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This whole series has been really fun. Just a perfect read for bedtime or a rainy day. Lightweight but good plots, and fun characters.’ SM

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Really enjoyed this book! Loved all the twists and turns.’ Sue

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well written, good characterization.’ Beth

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The plot is well constructed and the characters are believable and likeable. The series characters grow and change through the books which makes them more realistic too.’ Damaskcat

MEET LINA TOWNEND
Lina Townend is not your average antique dealer. Warm, clever, and endlessly curious, she has an uncanny ‘divvy’s nose’ for spotting treasures among the bric-a-brac, and a knack for sniffing out trouble where others see only clutter. Living and working alongside her eccentric mentor, Griff Tripp, who she loves as if he were her own grandfather, Lina spends her days at bustling village fairs, in her cosy shop, and trawling auctions for hidden gems.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2026

About the author

Judith Cutler was born and bred in the Midlands, and revels in using her birthplace, with its rich cultural life, as a background for her novels. After a long stint as an English lecturer at a run-down college of further education, Judith, a prize-winning short-story writer, has taught Creative Writing at Birmingham University, has run occasional writing course elsewhere (from a maximum security prison to an idyltic Greek island) and ministered to needy colleagues in her role as Secretary of the Crime Writers' Association.

Reviews

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable mystery with two of my favourite characters, Lina and Griff. Told from Lina's point of view, we embark on a journey that involves theft, accusations, secrets and lies.

I love Lina's 'voice', demonstrating her strength of character despite her earlier life. I also love the relationship between her and Griff.

The story begins at a church sale...

Plenty of action, mystery, suspense and tension, together with well-developed characters and great sense of place, made this a compelling read.

Entertaining and engaging.

Recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so I'll be honest I really enjoyed the series up until this one. Not that it was any better or worse than the others, but, I am afraid the old arrest, or almost arrest Lina for something is getting a bit predictable. All the other aspects of the story are fine, I just wish the author would explore a different tack. Yes Lina comes out exonerated each time, but as I said its all a bit too easy to drag her in for questioning each and every time. it might make me not continue reading ss Im sure that when the next one comes out in March the story will pan out much the same. Shame really.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much more readable than the first book. On my Kindle I didn't notice that this was book 4. That explains some confusing relationships and that the book flowed much better. Not sure if I was more used to the author's writing style or if the writing got better, but this was a much better read. Lina seemed a bit more mature; although the stuttering vocabulary was a little annoying. Overall this was a puzzling and ultimately satisfying mystery with a bit of antiques knowledge thrown in.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant series

I loved these books from the first one. No the usual characters for a cozy crime, apart from the police of course! Delightful characters who I just want to spend more time with and a lot of intrigue!

[valerie gosling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother

What a glaring book I just hope I don't ever buy another like this. Swiped the pages to the end on my kindle to get rid of it God knows how 4 ever got published makes the mind boggle

[Robert Polhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great story

Full of twist and turns but written superbly. Had to keep reading it to see what happened next, well worth a read

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

Enjoyable continuation of the character's life's . Maybe not the best murder mystery but still very enjoyable read . Nice book

[Shirley Jackson]

I found the plot difficult to follow. Did not care for the way the book was written. Seemed to go all over the place. Definitely not my taste.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars