The Mystery of the Seaside Treasure: A cozy crime mystery set in an English village
About The Mystery of the Seaside Treasure: A cozy crime mystery set in an English village
Antiques Roadshow meets Agatha Christie! Take a trip from the cosiest corner of the Kent countryside to Torquay — birthplace of the Queen of Crime herself — in this page-turning whodunit featuring a funny, feisty antique dealer turned amateur sleuth. Lina Townend is off to the seaside — but her knack for sniffing out bargains lands her in the middle of a deadly mystery when she discovers a stolen sculpture.
Lina isn’t thrilled when her beloved mentor Griff suggests a weekend getaway to Torquay. Instead of sun, sand and ice creams, an uninspiring antique fair and a fancy-dress ballroom dance are on the agenda. The fair is as boring as she expects — until a miniature Japanese sculpture catches her eye.
It was last seen in the home of an elderly churchgoer Griff recently befriended, tucked among a bunch of seaside trinkets . . right before it disappeared.
Is the sculpture connected to a recent series of violent thefts from churches? But why target a small, chipped antique when the infirm old lady’s house is filled with treasures? Determined to solve the mystery, Lina dives into the investigation.
But if she’s not careful, she won’t be swimming in Torquay’s deep blue sea — she’ll be sleeping with the fishes. 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 as Sin, and has been lightly edited for language. READERS LOVE THE MYSTERY OF THE SEASIDE TREASURE:‘The seventh entry in this enjoyable series doesn't fail to please.
’ Library Journal‘Fans of mysteries set in the world of antiques, such as Gash’s Lovejoy novels or Fiffer’s Jane Wheel series, should definitely make Lina Townend’s acquaintance.’ Booklist⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fantastic read that lovers of British mystery will eagerly devour.’ Crittermom⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fantastic crime novel.
Great characters. Good mystery story.’ Denise⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘It was a quick read for me and enjoyed every word.
I hope that there will be in future another adventure of Lina's. I love these characters.’ Charlene⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I've read all the books in this series.
There are plenty of clues and plenty of red herrings.’ Damaskcat⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Brilliant read. Great book.
’ JamesMEET LINA TOWNENDLina 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.
Lina grew up in the care system, and beneath her confident exterior she’s still piecing together the puzzle of her own past — a search that makes every rare find feel just a little more personal. THE SETTINGSleepy Bredeham might not be the prettiest of villages in rural Kent — though it boasts its share of thatched cottages and white-painted boarded houses — but it’s the kind of place where you can’t walk down the street without seeing someone you want to stop and chat with. Visitors will find not just a welcoming pub and a village shop, but also a chemist that doubles as a stationer and bookstore.
And at the heart of it all sits the small, cluttered, yet inviting antique shop, packed with curios and treasures waiting to be discovered. Bredeham is a village full of warmth, community, and familiar faces — but, as Lina knows all too well, even the cosiest corner of Kent hides its share of crime!
