The Mystery of the China Horse: A cozy crime mystery set in an English village

by Judith Cutler

Antiques Roadshow meets Agatha Christie! Discover your next favourite cozy mystery series, featuring a funny, feisty antique dealer turned amateur sleuth who lives in the cosiest corner of Kent.

Warm-hearted, independent Lina Townend has a nose for a bargain and a talent for sniffing out trouble — but why is she tripping over suspicious china horses wherever she goes?!

Lina has more than enough on her (antique) plate. With her beloved mentor Griff in hospital, she’s running their little village antique shop solo — juggling restoration jobs, bills, and chancers who think she’s an easy target.

So when a well-spoken stranger offers her a rare china horse, Lina’s instincts start to prickle. The piece is flawless — too flawless — and the woman’s story feels rehearsed. She turns the deal down.

But when suspiciously similar horses start appearing across Kent, Lina realises she’s uncovered something far more dangerous than a one-off scam. Someone is flooding the market with perfect forgeries, and they’ll do anything to keep the truth buried.

And now Lina’s on their trail.

Lina must rely on all her instincts like never before. Because this time, spotting the fake could be the difference between life and death.

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 Guilt Edged, and has been lightly edited for language.

READERS LOVE THE MYSTERY OF THE CHINA HORSE:

‘Fans of Jonathan Gash's Lovejoy series should especially enjoy Lina's adventures.’ Publishers Weekly

‘Gentle humor and deft plotting make Lina’s sixth outing a treat.’ Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

‘This is a traditional cozy that will appeal to fans of the subgenre, including followers of Jane Cleland, Sharon Fiffer, and Lea Wait.’ Booklist

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Enjoyable mystery with an interesting setting and an engaging heroine and supporting characters. Have loved the series & can't wait for the next one.’ Audrey

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Thoroughly enjoyed it.’ David

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘For those who love mystery and are fans of programmes such as Antiques Road Show, the Lina Townend mystery books are a MUST. Thank you, Judith Cutler for creating such a wonderful young lady.’ Barbara

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another wonderful book in this terrific series.’ Sally

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.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 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]

I love this series! Lina and Griff are fantastic characters and I love their interactions and relationship.

This time, Lina suspects that a china horse isn't what it's said to be, which leads to another road of peril. It's not easy to know who to trust in the these stories, but I enjoy the twists and turns and how Lina copes with everything.

Well written, engaging and excellent.

Highly recommended.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of this series.

Really likeable characters with a plot set firmly in the antiques world. Lina’s dad didn’t appear as much as previous stories but was there none the less. Lina’s love life is as intriguing as the crimes they uncover.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgeries and Frauds.

This story was really good! I have read all the antique mystery books and hope there will be another coming soon. The characters are unique and wonderful, with plots that keep me interested and gripped, plus an education about antiques. Keep them coming!

[Jacquie Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now!

I want to just carry on reading the next installment. Pins is developing into a delight and the supporting characters make a lovely cast!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok

You definitely need to read the series to enjoy this episode. As in soap opera style you need to know the characters. Enjoyable but not the best mystery.

[Sally M · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun

I really enjoyed this story. A good mystery and an interesting way to continue the growth of all the characters.