Antiques To Die For

An Island Cozy Mystery #1

by Peyton Stone

Cats, haikus and cadavers—amateur sleuth Lola didn’t expect that her new inheritance would come with such killer poetry.

Lola thought she’d find the island’s small-town peace when she returned to inherit the coveted antique shop. But between a snarky telepathic cat compelled to pen poems about the deserving dead and a trail of chilling haikus left on murder victims, peace and quiet may be too much to ask…

When the handsome out-of-town detective arrives to lead the investigation, Lola vows to solve the case and clear her name before she’s the next to end up in the killer’s rhyming couplet.

With gossip spreading faster than facts between her friends and the locals, Lola will have to learn the truth behind the poetic murders quickly, before she’s the next to fall victim and become the talk of the town’s wagging tongues.

For an empath whose cat has a direct line to her own mind, it’s all in a day’s work, though Lola could do without the impromptu eulogies.

Karma may love a good haiku, but Lola is more of a free verse kind of girl…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Novella

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2023

Reviews

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very entertaining read. Lola inherits her aunt’s antique shop and moves in, along with her cat Jade, with whom she has a psychic connection. Not long after a reported murder, the father of one of her employees is, also, murdered. The similarity between the two deaths is that a haiku has been found on the body of both. There is a growing connection between Lola and the detective, Marco, who has been hired to investigate, but as the plot thickens and the murders mount up, it looks like Lola could be the killer. The denouement tells all and it came as a surprise! More, please!

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meow! Who done it, said the cat

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023

I am used to reading more intense mysteries and not cozy mysteries. However, the book cover drew me in as I love antiques.
The cover just begs the reader to curl up next to the fireplace snuggling with your cat and read a good book.
With a warm brown background and a stack of hardbound colorful on the cover who wouldn't want to sit down with this book and read it.
The story starts out as in other cozy antique shop in a small cozy town except when people start dying with a Japanese poem attached to their bodies and the young antiques owner is a suspect.
I enjoyed reading the cozy mystery with the obstinate cat, Jaz who always has to have its say.
I was surprised at who the killer was. My overall thought on the book is that the readers are in for a treat that is filled with clues and hints that leads the reader into an epic mystery.
Every chapter keeps you guessing as each chapter is a possible suspect.
It is a cozy mystery that I recommend to all readers who want to relax and enjoy a light mystery who done it.

[Gwynn M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lola returns to the island town she grew up in after inheriting her late aunt's antique shop. Expecting the small-town peace she remembered as a child was too much to ask, especially with her snarky, telepathic cat and a trail of murder victims.

I'm normally a thriller book reader and decided on a cozy mystery, in the off chance I may enjoy it. This was a quick read, getting right into the nooks and crannies of the story. I found that there were several characters that I couldn't keep up with and that really had no meaning in the story line. The main characters were relatable and the strange interactions with the cat were entertaining. This book was okay but I think I'll go back to the thrillers I love.

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola Hutchinson, and her cat, Jade, arrive in the island town of Jaramillo to take possession of her inheritance, her Aunt Elena’s antique store.
The following day, the cabbie that drove her to town is found murdered and a haiku left at the scene. With her writing skills and knowledge of poetry,and the fact that she is the last person to see him alive, Lola becomes a logical suspect.
But, the cabbie is only one of several murders, and Lola, Jade and Lola’s three best friends work to help a hunky detective solve the case.
This is a great quick read! I like to think I'm pretty good at solving mysteries, but this author fooled me more than once!
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a real puzzle!

[Kelly A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Characterization, Very Interesting Plot and Twists You Don't Expect. First, this is a short read but packed with great characters. Love the cat, Jade, who communicates with Lola telepathically. She is a snarky cat and provides a bit of humor. There is a spate of murders, cozy style. That means, no blood, no gore, just the announcement of each murder. Lola, having just arrived to take over her deceased Aunt's antique store, makes friends quickly. These friends, and her brother, who also lives on the island, try to reason out who is responsible for these deaths. The detective, also new to the island, suspects Lola right away because she has slight connections to each of the victims. The ending is very unexpected.

[Wendy Wilkins Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this (listening, actually, via a reader app). It was really quite good with loads of twists and turns to keep you thinking. It was great to have the culprit be a complete surprise. So many possible along the way through the story, but I wasn't ready for the reveal! I love the telepathic Jade. I love cats, I love Siamese and I like intelligence, which Jade has by the ton! I wish there were cats like her. There were a few bumps along the reading road when I got lost in the momentum of the story, having to relisten to part of it to see what I missed. That's not a bad thing other than it means a LOT of details are being presented in rapid succession. But, I enjoyed all of it! I'm looking forward to #2 now.

[Clarkson TeJay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had so much potential but I feel like it wasn’t reached. Not for lack of effort and as I have not read anything else from Peyton I cannot judge her writing in general but this one seemed quite rushed and messy.

It nearly made my DNF list but being short and a decent story between the lines I pushed though and was genuinely surprised but in a good way at the ending.

Once I hit the end though I was not drawn to read the sneak peek for book two in the series. But I am not one to judge on a single moment and am hoping to pick up another of Peyton's works this year to get a better perspective on her writing.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow This author out sighted me with the twist at the end of the book. The main character has inherited her aunt's antique shop. She was a frustrated writer living in the city. She returns to the island she grew up on and where her twin brother already lives. She owns a beautiful Siamese cat with green eyes. That makes Jade special as Siamese cats have blue eyes. They run into problems ANF murders along the way until the murderer is arrested. As I said, the twist was very good because there was no way that person was on my suspect lidt.

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like cats? antiques? murder? haiku?

I fell in love with Jade the beautiful cat in this most interesting murder mystery. Lola inherits her aunt's antique shop and upstairs apartment. Returning to childhood friends and memories a a fresh start to her and Jade.
Some gorgeous historical descriptions that were really neat to read.
Someone is murdering people and leaving cryptic haiku poems.
Find out who the killer is and don't forget to listen to Jade.

I really liked this book and hope to read more "Jade" stories.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola and her twin brother Jax along with their psychic cat find themselves amid the chaos as there’s a string of murders with a cryptic poetic twang to the clues left behind. It’s enough to rock their close knit community that’s for sure…they’ve moved to their hometown after she inherits an antique business from their uncle and thought they were getting a serene place to live ! What gives…with a dashing detective and her friends in tow Lola spills all they know . Great writing , totally immersive and fun with solid background and apt descriptions

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and mystical paranormal cozy murder mystery with an engaging array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters that will draw you into their story while the plot will have captivated trying to discover the true motives behind the clues and suspects. In a journey of discovery, friendship and twisted game of murder. This is a clean well written cozy that will have you reading from start to finish without interruption. Acquire " Antiques To Die For " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[CR1017 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antiques To Die For by Peyton Stone was a bit different from the cozy mysteries I've read lately. First & foremost, one of the principal characters is a cat.
Things got even stranger when the cat explained it was from a long line of cats with special senses and the ability to communicate telepathically.
The actual murders & the supposed reasons why were fairly straightforward to follow, but the haiku and quotations at the start of some chapters made no real sense to me & did little if anything to contribute to the story.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, bringing the island setting and its inhabitants to life.

Including haikus as murder clues adds a unique literary twist that is both intriguing and chilling.

However, some secondary characters, such as Brandon and Charles, could benefit from deeper development.

However, a few plot points feel somewhat predictable, which may lessen the suspense for seasoned mystery readers.

Overall, “Antiques To Die For” is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a dark edge.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining mystery that keeps the reader engaged and wondering who the killer is. While I do wish there was more character development of some of the main characters, Lola being one of them, I found the plot sound and the flow of the story was good. The telepathic link between Lola and Jade, her cat, is a unique twist to the story and provides for some humor. I think Jade is the best developed character. I was surprised at who the killer was in the end....it was not who I was thinking it was. An entertaining mystery to give a try.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's difficult to call a book with multiple murders cute or cozy but that's what this is. Lola, the leading lady was cute, as was her psychic cat Jade. I wish we had more of them in the story. The story skipped locations a few times which I found difficult to follow. Not bad for a quick read to clean your palette before you start a more serious murder/crime series but not a book I'm really going to remember down the road.

[John Belcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it difficult to keep who's, who straight. Jax and Lola just didn't give off the feel of being twins. Although Marcus made it very clear he was interested in Lola but still maintaining a professional distance since he wasn't proof positive she wasnt the killer. At the very end the conduct of both people made me think the wrong person was in jail. The end of this book made me feel like I was reading Inception. Overall an Excellent book

[Eveie Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read great story line, a psychic cat, jade who can only talk to Lola, .
Lola arrived in town after the death of an aunt who bequeathed the antique shop to her. But since arriving in this small town the death toll seems to be rising g they have a serial killer on the loose and Lola is in the frame. So investigations ensues revealing an end I did not see coming, but the romance with Marco, that was evident.
Loved this book

[MGB · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story weaves it's way around the characters in such a way that any or all could be the murderer. Clues are left that implicate each one. Some clues were definitely more hidden, but pay attention - they all have meaning.

It's certainly an interesting collection of people who speculate on the murders. In the end one goes to jail. But the reader is left with:
"Because my work is complete."

[CJ Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lola inherits her aunt’s antique shop and returns to the island of her youth with Jade, her cat and reunites with her twin brother, Jax. As in all cozies, murder ensues with each victim accompanied with a death haiku. Of course the mainland detective who investigates the murders is attracted to Lola while mindful that she is a suspect in the murders. This is a fast moving read with enough plot turns to keep the reader engaged to the end.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow that ending!! The antique store is inherited by the sister of a set of twins. The brother inherited a house and has a job at a hair salon. They should be happy to be together once again. But people start to die. Odd poems give hints to who is killing. Marco, a detective, arrives to help. The talking cat is pretty cool too. Lots to like in this quick read.

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute cozy. Interesting because the main character has a cat familiar, but does not have any witch capabilities, at least in this first in the series. I was able to figure out the murderer fairly early on, although I wasn't sure, since they seemed rather unlikely.
A perfect palate cleanser after finishing a dark, non-fiction history book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiques To Die For by Peyton Stone is a book that keeps you guessing "whodunit" to the very end! It has a great plot and interesting characters along with a "talking" cat. There are several murders, not just one! This is a quick read, but it will keep you turning pages to find out WHO and WHY. I enjoyed the book and I recommend it. Enjoy.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR is an interesting but rather obscure mystery novelette. People are dying right and left with the killer leaving only intentional clues in the form of odd haikus. The twist at the end is surprising, and it’s followed by an ending that made me wonder if the right person was arrested!

[Trinity Waddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fun quick read that fits a lot into its pages. Jade is definitely a great highlight. In fact, I would have been happy with just Jade the cat, but naturally, the mystery is well written with some interesting characters. It has a great twist at the wnd which I had no idea was coming. 5 stars!

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a waste of time. If this book wasn’t so short I would definitely not have finished it. Very juvenile writing, mistakes, bad editing… the only saving grace is the cover art. And that’s why my 2 stars. Very disappointed.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Daniel Smith and why??? Who is killing people and leaving those haikus??? Would you tell your friends that you could communicate with your cat??? I really don't believe he did it!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Debby Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was okay but was very drawn out and never kept my interest in finding out the final details. The characters kind of jump around throughout the book with no reasonable explanation and I had to make myself finish it!!

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is ha9ku considered an antique??? They are being found all over the place. Who is writing them and why??? Lola needs to figure things out before - too late!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful beginning to a new series. Lola and her twin go back to their Island home expecting a nice visit. Unfortunately there’s a crime committed and Lola needs to solve this quickly. Ready for the next.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series starter.

A serial killer, a talking cat, cryptic poems, a sexy detective, and a surprise ending - what more could you want? I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.