So many people are “into” antiquing these days, so what better profession for some of our favorite cozy mystery authors to use in their story lines? I live in an area of the country where the antiquing business is truly thriving. A lot of the little towns that surround San Antonio seem to be comprised of one antique shop after the other. So I decided, why not make a list of mysteries that use antiques in some way? (Again, I am working off of my alphabetical lists of authors…. but, if you know of another cozy mystery author who uses the antiques theme, please drop me a comment… The comment button is found under this blog, right below a faint grey line…)
Barbara Allan is a husband and wife writing team (Max Allan and Barbara Collins)… and she (they?) write the Trash ‘n Treasure Mystery Series. The first book in the series is Antiques Roadkill. The second in the series is a Halloween book… Antiques Maul.
Madelyn Alt writes the Bewitching Mystery Series, which features Maggie O’Neill, an empath, who works in an antique store in Indiana. Felicity Dow, the owner of Enchantments (antique store, plus more!) is not only Maggie’s boss, but also joins in on the sleuthing… when it’s needed, of course!
Mary Kay Andrews (aka Kathy Hogan Trochek) writes the Weezie and Bebe Mystery Series, which features two divorced women living in Savannah. One, Weezie, is an antique dealer and the other, (obviously BeBe) owns a restaurant.
Annie’s Antique Shop Mystery Series Maggie Watson is a widow and the owner of an antiques shop and colonial mansion in Harbor, Maine.
Kathleen Bridge writes the Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery Series, featuring Meg Barrett, a former Home & Gardens writer with significant experience with antiques.
The Domestic Bliss Mystery Series is written by Leslie Caine (aka Leslie O’Kane.) It is actually not about antique dealers or antique store owners, but is set in the world of interior design, which of course, involves antiques. The two main characters are cleverly named (Erin) Gilbert and (Steve) Sullivan.
Antique dealer Annie O’Hara is left owning a German Shepherd/Siberian Huskie named Claudius in the mystery series Ann Campbell writes. In the Annie O’Hara & Claudius Mystery Series, Annie finds herself looking for antiques and clues to solve her mysteries, and don’t forget the how-to-train-your-alpha-dog manuals!
Jane K. Cleland writes the Antiques Roadshow Mystery Series, which features an ex-New Yorker who transplants herself to New Hampshire in order to get her life back on track, but ends up tracking clues!
Rae Davies writes the Dusty Deals Mystery Series, which stars a former reporter turned antiques dealer.
Patricia Driscoll: Grace Oliver Mystery Series – Grace is an ex-probation officer who owns an antique lamp shop on Cape Cod.
The Jane Wheel Mystery Series is written by Sharon Fiffer. It features an antique dealer who frequents estate sales and rummage sales, when she’s not following up on leads that will solve her mysteries.
Elaine Flinn was actually an antique dealer before she starting writing her Molly Doyle Mystery Series. Molly runs the Treasure Antiques store and has a (knick-)knack for solving mysteries.
Jonathan Gash (John Grant) is a medical doctor by training who writes the Lovejoy Mystery Series. Lovejoy is an antiques dealer, but unfortunately, he is also a thief! And, yes, the BBC Lovejoy television series of nine years was based on these novels.
Elise Hyatt writes the Daring Finds Mystery Series which features Dyce Dare, a sleuth who owns a furniture refinishing business…
The Sterling Glass Mystery Series is written by Emyl Jenkins, who has written several non-fiction books about antiques and even a cookbook (among her other books.) Sterling is a syndicated columnist and also an antique appraiser, who not only has her eyes on the antiques and clues, but also on a certain single Episcopalian priest!
The Antique Lovers’ Mystery Series is written by Deborah Morgan. It features an ex-FBI agent who now dedicates his life to finding antiques to buy and then resell (for a profit, of course!) and also to finding the culprits of mysteries.
The Mysteries of Silver Peak Mystery Series is a Cozy Mystery series written by Carole Jefferson, and published by Guideposts. Sadie Speers is the sleuth and she owns an antiques shop in Silver Peak, Colorado.
Cate Price write the Deadly Notions Mystery Series. Daisy Buchanan is a retired teacher who currently manages the Great Notion Sewing and Antiques Shop in a quaint town in Pennsylvania.
J. B. Stanley writes two cozy mystery series… One of them is the Collectible Mystery Series which features a reporter who solves mysteries in and out of antique shows. She is currently re-releasing this series as Ellery Adams.
The Shadows Antique Print Mystery Series is Lea Wait‘s mystery series for adults. (She also writes historical novels for children.) Maggie Summer is an antique print dealer who also can deal with clues in a very effective manner!
PS…. Since I know that some of you print these cozy-by-profession blogs, I am going to add a comment from a very good cozy-mystery-reading friend of mine to this original blog, so that you get the benefit of this author, also. I don’t know how I forgot to add her on this list!
On October 2, 2007, Cora wrote:
Danna,
Another antique shop series is the Den of Antiquity series written by Tamar Myers. Her character is Abigail Timberlake who first owns an antique shop in Charlotte, NC. Later in the series she moves the shop to Charleston, SC.
And, here is yet another “antiquing,” (sort of!) series… It is actually not antiquing, but does involve searching for just the right buys: Sharon Dunn writes the Bargain Hunters Mystery Series.
***To access more Cozy Mysteries by Theme click on this link.***
Cora says
Danna,
Another antique shop series is the Den of Antiquity series written by Tamar Myers. Her character is Abigail Timberlake who first owns an antique shop in Charlotte, NC. Later in the series she moves the shop to Charleston, SC.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cora, Just wanted to see if everyone is on their toes! How did I forget to add Tamar Myers’ series? I must have been asleep at the desk! Thank you so much for adding her "wonderfully" antique series!
Lila says
Forgive me if this is not a place to ask, but I have been trying to find the title and author of an audiobook I heard about 10 years ago. The best summary I can give of the plot follows. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you:
A young woman finds a scrap of paper in a small, old harpsichord (clavichord or similar?) from an antique shop she is running (purchased or just minding – not sure). The scrap may also be quite old, but the words on the paper cause her to think someone may be currently in trouble and she feels compelled to investigate. She eventually makes her way to a manse (possibly in New England – again not sure) and there finds a hidden room and danger (of course).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lila, I will post an entry asking for help on this. I have a few others to post first, but will get to yours soon…
Mary says
Lyn Hamilton is the antique dealer that finds the paper in the piano & heads to England. I absolutely love her writing style. Sadly, she passed away after about 7 novels. They must be read in sequence, and her last book is a very gracious bow to her readers. They are certainly a trip around the world and very well researched and informative.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, thank you so much for providing Lila with the authors she is looking for!
Peter says
As you posted in 2011, I assume that someone else has provided the answer. The book is The Tightrope Walker by Dorothy Gilman.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Peter, thank you! Finally someone knew this was Dorothy Gilman’s mystery!
mary d says
Dorothy Gilman is author Title is The tightrope Walker
Judy says
Hi to all I was wondering if anyone knows if the guidepost patchwork mysterys and grace chapel inn novels are good cozy reads I just have found these and I was wondering as i have read all ANNIES ATTIC MYSTERYS which are brillant so danna or anyone any help would be great many thanks judy
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Judy, I can tell you that I have heard from a lot of Patchwork Mystery and Grace Chapel Inn fans. Both series are very popular.
Judy says
hi Danna thanks heaps for the reply as it has helped me make a decision, take care and HAPPY READING AND AGAIN THANK YOU JUDY
Judy says
Hi again danna and all. I have another query regarding a series THE LUCY STONE BOOKS BY LESLIE MEIRE [I THINK THATS HOW IT IS SPELT] these sound good has anyone read them, and are they popular I love maine fiction descriptive also of the area and i have read many but just wondering about this series many thanks judy
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, I have read Leslie Meier’s Lucy Stone Mystery Series, and think the series is a very good example of a traditional Cozy Mystery series. The series is holiday-themed, which I particularly enjoy.
Judy says
THANKS HEAPS DANNA SO SORRY ABOUT ALL THE QUERYS but I am always trying to find new books as I have always been an avid reader I am currently reading a book WENDOVER HOUSE MYSTERY THE SECRET STAIRCASE the theme being an old house hooked me but beware it is more a novella quite thin,however i am still really enjoying it the author is MELANIE JACKSON it is a shame it is not longer but still a good read if you like cozies with old houses.so if you know of anymore with old houses I would love to know and another great series is the ladies from covington although not murder mysterys still really lovely stories so many thanks once again and i will keep checking to see if there are anymore suggestions I LOVE THIS SITE GREAT JOB TAKE CARE AND MANY THANKS AGAIN JUDY [FROM AUSTRALIA]
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, thanks for telling us aboutThe Secret Staircaseby Melanie Jackson. I wonder if that is the first mystery in a new Wendover House Mystery Series.
Here is a list of Snowed-In mysteries. I don’t know if all of the houses are old, though.
And, thanks for telling us about Joan A. Medlicott’s Ladies of Covington series.
Judy says
Hi Danna and one and all,I was wondering if you could tell me some good cozy christmas fiction books not necessarily mystery but a good christmas feel and also do you happen to know if the JANE JEFFREY MYSTERY SERIES ARE GOOD? I seem to always be asking for new novels so hope you don’t mind take care one and all, and again many thanks judy
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, Jill Churchill (author of the Jane Jeffrey Mystery Series) was on my “Favorite Authors” list. (Unfortunately, her last book in the series was published in 2007.)
As for Christmas fiction, I’m sorry I don’t have a list of non mystery Christmas themed books.
Judy says
thanks anyway danna take care judy
Chris says
Just found this website and hoping someone can help me! About 8 years ago I started reading a series about a couple – she suffered from agoraphobia (from a kidnapping incident I believe) and he was kind of a picker. They sold his finds thru the Internet. Does anyone recall this series author or series name?
Judith says
The series you are looking for is the Antique Lover’s Mysteries by Deborah Morgan. The first book in the series is Death is a Caberet. There are 5 books in the series – the latest one came out in 2006.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thank you, Judith. I love it when Cozy Mystery readers can come up with the answers for other Cozy Mystery readers questions.
Judy says
hi danna and all, me again just finishing the lucy stone books I have got through them very quickly and love them so i was wondering if you have heard of valerie wolzien I think that is correct or do you know of any other series cozy like lucy stone as i am now on the lookout for another cozy housewife holiday christmas themed cozy mysteries and i believe valerie wolzien writes these any help with new ideas would be great take care and many thanks judy
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, you might want to take a look at this theme page: Holiday Theme Mystery Authors. There are several authors – besides Leslie Meier and Valerie Wolzien. I hope this helps.
loveamystery says
Well!!!!! I am thrilled to have found you. Voracious reader and have read three in the past two days but love antique related ones. Your site is wonderful and love that I can pop to author or series and see what I want to read.
Thank you
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Welcome to the site, Loveamystery. I hope you find lots of new authors who you enjoy reading.
Linda says
Virginia Lowell’s Cookie Cutter Shop mystery series. Didn’t she collect antique cutters. Can’t remember if she sold them or not.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, yes, inherited antique cookie cutters from one of her customers.
Bev S says
A new series that I’ve started reading is the Mysteries of Silver Peak. It is published by Guideposts. In this series Sadie Spears owns and runs an antique shop called the Antique Mine. The series is written by Carole Jefferson, and from what I’ve been able to find out this is the name used by several authors who write the series.
The first three books in the series are…
A Mountain of Mystery
Nobody’s Safe
Silver Surprise
A second series that is again published by Guideposts is the Secrets of Blue Hill Library and the author is Emily Thomas.
The first two books in the series are…
Nowhere to be Found
Shadows of the Past
The third series and again from Guideposts is Patchwork Mysteries.
The first two books in the series are…
Family Patterns by Kristin Eckhardt
Time to Share by Jo Ann Brown
Have just started reading these books, but so far they look like an enjoyable read.
Happy New Year, Everyone and happy reading.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bev S, Happy 2015 to you, too! Thank you for telling us all of these Guidepost mystery series. I have the Patchwork Mysteries on the site, but the other series are all new to me.
Diane B says
I am looking for the author of a cozy series where the heroine lives upstairs from her shop which I think is an antique store. Her uncle left the store to her and had previously lived in the apartment upstairs. She was close to her uncle and he used to make fried chicken for her.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diane B, could this possibly be Rebecca M. Hale‘s Cats and Curios Mystery Series?
Nancy says
I am trying to remember the name of a series….the main character has several uncles who raised her when her mom died. The uncles were all interesting characters who had problems with the law.
Janice says
I believe the series you’re looking for is the Book Collector Mystery series by Victoria Abbott. The first book in the series is The Christie Curse.
Nancy says
That’s it! Thank you!!!
Julia says
I am trying to remember a series set in an antique store in a tourist area—Maybe CA, maybe Carmel or Santa Barbara, The woman who runs it had a big time job back East but her ex did something which had a negative effect on her reputation. She goes to estate sales and stumbles into mysteries. There is a good restaurant near her shop. Any help appreciated
Nancy says
I think you are thinking of Elaine Flinn’s Molly Doyle series
Julia says
Thank you very much. That’s it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Julia, isn’t it great when Cozy Mystery readers can come up with the authors we’re looking for? I love it when this happens!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, thank you so much!
Shirley H says
I am looking for a series and I have forgotten the name of the Author. I have asked before on a series I had forgotten and was amazed at how quickly there was a response and was the series I was looking for.
This woman moved back home and started an antique or refinishing business. She has an Aunt and her 2 friends that are very close and love to sleuth.
One of her Aunt’s friend is accused of poisoning her beau in her backyard.
Her Aunt now has moved into an apt. in her house and they are all trying to find out who would have wanted this man dead.
Thank you,
Shirley
Janice says
This sounds like Sofie Ryan’s (aka Sofie Kelly) series. The main character buys and restores or re-purposes old furniture and other antiques.
Shirley says
Janice, Thank you so much.
Yes,it is Sofie Ryan.
This site is great and appreciate readers answering our questions.
Shirley
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, I just love it when people know who the missing author is. Thank you!
Jen G. says
Has anyone read the Antique Shop Mysteries? Can you please tell me if they are good? Review?
Thank you!
Jordan says
I was so very glad to find your site devoted to cozy mysteries, and my wife and I particularly enjoy the cozy-related BBC Lovejoy and Rosemary & Thyme series as favorites. As a certified Private Investigator myself, I find that the cerebral quality of cozies is at once very stimulating and interesting, with no car chases needed. Thank you again for creating this site for those of us who love cozies to share this interest.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jordan, I’m glad that you’re enjoying the site, and I hope your wife is as well! It’s always interesting hearing what other people from various walks of life look forward to in a Cozy – and I’d tend to agree with you that most of the best have no or relatively few “action scenes.”
Patrick says
Martin Cruz Smith has two mysteries featuring Roman Grey a gypsy art and antique dealer in New York.
Gypsy in Amber (1971)
Canto for a Gypsy (1972)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patrick, thanks for the suggestion! I’ll be sure to check those out some time.
Sara Long says
I think you left a word/noun out in this section before the word “with”:
“Kathleen Bridge writes the Hamptons Home & Garden Mystery Series, featuring Meg Barrett, a former Home & Gardens with significant experience with antiques.
Sarah says
I wish I could recall the name of an author who did a series about an antique shop in Virginia horse country around Winchester. Any clues?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sarah, I’m sorry about the lateness of this reply – I couldn’t come up with an answer to your question, but I have posed it as part of a front-of-blog post to try to see if someone else might have a solution.