This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Today I’m welcoming Rose Kerr to Salty Inspirations to share a special character guest post from Mia Reid, the archaeologist at the center of Death of an Antiquarian. Join Mia as she recounts a seemingly ordinary outing that quickly becomes the beginning of a mystery she never expected to investigate.
From my private journal, Mia Reid
Summer, 2025
Well, today’s been a day and a bit. I was working at the Lakeview City Museum on the new program for the Northern Ontario schools when Gran called to see if I’d go with her to an event at Timeless Treasures. That’s the antique shop owned by Tim Fraser, my friend Danielle’s dad.
Of course I thought it would be nice to go, spend some time with Gran and maybe find a nice piece for my condo. I’m still trying to decorate it just the way I want. I told Gran I’d love to and suggested we meet at Syd’s for dinner. Syd’s is a great restaurant, has been around for over thirty years and the food is delicious. Nothing really fancy, but good food.
Gran and I met and I told her about what was happening with work. I’m still learning the ropes at the museum, but so far, I’m enjoying it. The people I work with are absolutely great. They’re more than willing to help me with any questions I have. The CEO, Christine Marks, is a smart woman and is ready to listen to any questions I may have.
After dinner, Gran and I walked to Timeless Treasures. It’s short walk down a pleasant street. There are lots of small shops along the street and we indulged in some window shopping. I’ll need to go back to the Artists’ Collective when they’re open to pick up some additional mugs. I saw some beautiful blue ones in the window display.
We arrived in plenty of time for the soirée. A woman was checking off everyone’s names as they came in. Gran told me it was by invitation only and you were only permitted one guest. The store was crowded with about twenty to thirty people milling around looking at some of the antiques.
Mr. Fraser met us as we came in. He’s the consummate professional. Very knowledgeable about the antiques in his store and if he doesn’t know about something, he’ll find out. His customer service is exceptional.
He asked what we were looking for, Gran mentioned a mirror and I was pretty non-committal. I’m more of a when I see it, I’ll buy it kind of shopper. Probably drives shop owners a little crazy, but it is what it is.
Mr. Fraser suggested we go upstairs to the loft as there were several mirrors there that Gran might like. He’d just opened the loft this spring.
I saw Alex there. She’s my best friend, you know. She was helping a couple who were interested in jewelry. She and I locked eyes and I knew she’d want to chat later.
Danielle, Mr. Fraser’s daughter stopped by to chat with us. She was manning a wine cart for the clients. Danielle, Alex, and I all went to school together. We chatted for a few minutes and I learned that Danielle and her husband, Steve, are expecting their first baby. Mr. Fraser is very excited about it. And so is Danielle. She looked great.
While we were chatting, a woman arrived for the event. She was blond, looked to be late fifties. She was very vocal about being allowed in the event. Claiming she was part owner of the shop.
She finally yelled that she wanted what was hers and she wasn’t going to leave.
Danielle got pretty upset. She said it was her father’s first wife, Barbara, and that she’d been causing problems for the last while. Claiming to own part of the store in spite of Mr. Fraser having paid her out when they divorced.
Steve went to help the clerk, Cheryl remove Barbara from the store. I watched as they got her out.
When she left she yelled something at Cheryl and Cheryl opened the door again to say something. I couldn’t hear what she said, but Barbara left.
Gran and I weny upstairs. The loft was filled with different antiques. Dining room sets complete with full dinner service were on display. Bookcases had knick-knacks and pictures. Lots of creepy portraits hanging on the walls. On the far side, Gran spotted a section devoted to mirrors. I let her wander toward them as I headed to the smaller paintings. I found a beautiful seascape that will be perfect in my office and Gran found a mirror that will fit her wall.
We strolled downstairs to pay for our purchases.
I picked up my Jeep and then drove Gran and I back to her place helping her put up the mirror.
So that was yesterday…
Today, Alex and I were having lunch when she received a phone call from Danielle saying her father was dead. He’d been found at the store that morning by Cheryl.
Then later today, I learned that he’s been murdered! Danielle wants me to help figure out who killed him.
I’m torn. I want to help her, but I’m not a police detective. I’ve talked it over with Luke (he got here later today) and he suggested that I see what I can do to help Danielle. Anything I learn that would help the police would be turned over.
I can live with that. But my heart breaks for Danielle.
I need to get some sleep so I can do what needs to be done. I’ll continue this tomorrow…
Death of an Antiquarian: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery by Rose KerrAbout Death of an Antiquarian
Death of an Antiquarian: A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Lakeview City, Ontario, Canada (loosely based on Toronto, Canada)
Publisher : Level Best Books
Publication date : December 16, 2025
Print length : 242 pages
Paperback
ISBN-13 : 979-8898201159
Digital ASIN : B0GHSW122X
When archaeologist Dr. Mia Reid takes a contract position at the Lakeview City Museum, she expects artifacts, exhibitions, and research notes, not murder. The death of a local antique dealer, with unexpected ties to artifact smuggling, draws Mia into a dangerous mystery.
As chatter of an international smuggling ring surfaces, Mia and Luke race to uncover the truth. The stakes rise when threats reach her—and her beloved grandmother.
With lives in jeopardy and artifacts at risk of vanishing forever into the black market, Mia must use all her skills to piece together the puzzle. Can she expose a killer before the next artifact or person disappears?
About Rose Kerr
Retired in Southern Ontario with her husband, Rose spends her days crafting mysteries featuring strong, smart women who use their resourcefulness to solve crimes. When she’s not writing, she enjoys discovering the hidden gems of the region and indulging her lifelong curiosity.
Author Links
Purchase Links
Tour Participants
June 1 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 1 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT
June 2 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
June 2 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 3 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT
June 3 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – SPOTLIGHT
June 4 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW
June 4 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
June 5 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
June 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book -SPOTLIGHT
June 7 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
June 8 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 8 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW
June 9 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST
June 10 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
June 12 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
Wednesday Morning
Mia pushed away from her desk and walked to the far wall of her office. She looked at
the plans on the wall. In less than a week, this exhibit had to be ready. Marketing and
promotion were well underway. Interest from all over Lakeview City was growing. Ticket
sales were doing well. The artifacts were on loan from the Mexico City Museum. It was
the first time the museum had loaned them out.
Mia tapped a pencil to her chin and examined the floor plans for the exhibit. They just
needed a little tweaking. She made an adjustment to two of the display cases and
stepped back to look at the plans again. That looked better. Patrons would have a bit
more space to move around the exhibit.
Her cell phone rang with Gran’s ringtone. A clear, light piano riJ. She picked it up and
smiled as she heard Gran’s voice. “Mia, could you come with me to Timeless Treasures
tonight? There’s an event at the store, and I think you might find a few pieces for your
apartment.”
Gran never wasted time on the phone; she cut through all the pleasantries and got
straight to the point.
“Sure, what time do you want to go?”
“Why don’t we meet for dinner around five-thirty? The event starts at seven, but the
doors open at six-thirty. I don’t want to be late.”
“That works. Do you want to meet at Syd’s? It’s close enough to the shop that we could
walk.”
“Perfect. I’ll take a cab and meet you there.”
“Great. It’ll be nice to see you again.”
“I’ll talk to you then. Don’t work too hard, dear.” Gran hung up.
By the end of her workday, Mia was pleased with the work she’d done. The project
she’d been working on, featuring artifacts discovered in the mid-twentieth century from
Central America, was going to be displayed in a manner that allowed people to view
them and to learn about them interactively. She still had to wrap up listening to the script
for the displays. Photos would accompany the artifacts, showing how the archaeologists
had discovered the objects, removed them from the ground, cleaned them, and
catalogued them. The script would be read in several different languages, and the
museum was fortunate to have translators who could do the work.
Mia hurried downstairs and got her bike out of the employee’s lot. She put her helmet
on, made sure her backpack was secured, and headed out. The bike paths in the city
meant she had a fifteen-minute commute instead of thirty minutes sitting in traffic.
Stopping in the lobby of her building, she picked up her mail. Tossing the flyers in the
recycle bin, she noticed an official-looking letter from a law firm in Chicago. Tucking the
envelope in her bag, she took the elevator to the fourteenth floor and made her way to
her apartment. It was a nice corner unit overlooking Lake Ontario.
She hefted her bike on the rack in the utility room, dropped her keys in the dish on the
sideboard in the hallway, and toed off her shoes. In the kitchen, she poured herself a
large glass of ice water and added a couple of lemon slices. She grabbed the envelope
out of her bag, walked to the balcony doors, and sat in one of the comfortable patio
chairs. After taking a long drink of water, she set the glass on the rattan table in front of
the chairs. She opened the envelope and read the enclosed letter.
She read it twice, and the second time, tears welled up. Ethan Carter, one of her closest
friends, had died a few months ago. It happened on their dig, on the Isle of Skye, and
Mia had been instrumental in discovering who his killer had been. Ethan had left her his
personal journals of the digs they’d both been on. It was such a wonderful gift.
Mia sent a text to Shelly, Ethan’s widow, and her good friend.
Mia: Just received the lawyer’s letter regarding Ethan’s gift to me. I’m so touched.
Mia’s phone rang a few minutes later. It was Shelly.
“I want to make sure you’re okay with his bequest.”
“I am. I wasn’t expecting this.”
“He wanted you to have the journals. I’ve packaged them up and will send them to you.
I’ve made copies for Henry to have when he’s older.” Shelly sighed. “It’s been a busy
few months. How are you doing? How’s the new job?”
“If Henry wants the originals, I’ll gladly give them to him.”
“Well, he’s not old enough for them now, maybe when he gets older. Now, how are
you? What’s happening with work and Luke?”
Mia smiled. “Work is good. I’m settling into it. There’s more to do than I originally
thought, but nothing I can’t handle. And Luke is coming back this weekend. He’ll be
here for at least two weeks. He’s going to be training police on what to look for when
dealing with thefts of artifacts. I’m looking forward to him being here again. I’ve missed
him this past month.”
“Do you think he’d move to North America?”
“That would be great. I know he’s asked his supervisor to let him know if there’s an
opportunity for him to work in Canada. That’s how this latest job came up. We’ll see how
things work this trip.” Mia took a drink of water. “How are you and Henry coping?”
“We’re okay. Henry’s health is stable. The cancer hasn’t returned. He’s getting ready for
school and looking forward to seeing his friends. The nightmares have stopped.” Shelly
paused and then said, “I’m going back to work. The university called and offered me a
part-time position in the English department. I’m looking forward to returning to work.
My parents are close by and are still helping me out with everything to deal with Ethan’s
death. Mom thought it would be good for me to get back into teaching again.”
They chatted for a few more minutes. It was good to talk to Shelly. They’d been friends
for a long time. Ethan’s gift was something Mia would treasure.
Mia glanced at her watch. Time to get ready for dinner.
***
Wednesday Evening
Thirty minutes later, Mia and Gran were seated at their favorite table at Syd’s. The
restaurant offered a variety of pasta dishes. The server returned with their drinks and
took their food order.
“Cheers.” Gran raised her wine glass to Mia.
Mia smiled and raised her glass. “Cheers! What can you tell me about this event
tonight?”
Gran swallowed her wine and set her glass down. “It’s by invitation only, and everyone
is permitted one guest. Tim organized this event a few weeks ago. I decided at the last
minute to attend. He’s got several nice pieces for sale that I’m looking at, and I thought
there would be something for you as well. He’s brought in some art déco pieces out of
New York, and I know you like that era.”
“I wonder what the price range is?”
“He’s crafty. No prices were listed in the email or on the information sheet he sent. But
the photos were exquisite.”
The server arrived with their food.
While they were eating, Mia told Gran about Ethan’s bequest.
“Well, that was kind of him. They’ll mean a lot to you.” Gran put her napkin down on the
table.
They settled up the bill and walked to the antique store. It was a block down the street,
and they took their time looking in the shop windows in the area. Most of the shops on
this street were specialty shops. There were a few gift shops displaying works by local
artists. One shop specialized in fibre arts. It had several colorful quilts in the window.
The next store had artwork and ceramic wares made by local artists. Mia slowed down
in front of this one. She admired the ceramic pieces. They were bright, and she had a
few of them at home.
“Mia, they’re having a sale.” Gran pointed to the sign in the window.
“It looks like they’re closing. Darn it. I liked this shop.” Mia peered in the window. “I can’t
see anyone working.”
“The sign says the sale starts this weekend, and everything has to go.”
Mia pulled out her phone and made herself a note. “It was a cooperative. I wonder what
the artists and craftspeople are going to do now. I’m going to check this out. I hope I
have time this weekend.”
They continued along the street. The other stores specialized in antiques of all kinds. All
were closed for the day. Mia and Gran checked the window displays as they strolled by.
“That’s Martha Jones’s shop. It’s All I’ve Got,” Gran said. “I’m glad to see she’s still in
business. She was starting in the business when I was selling my shop.”
They strolled down to Timeless Treasures. A middle-aged woman wearing all black and
a name tag that said Cheryl greeted them. Her chestnut hair was pulled back in a
ponytail, and her fingernails painted a deep red. Her face was carefully made up, and
her lipstick matched her nail polish.
She took their names and checked them off a list. “You can go right in. Mr. Fraser is in
the store and will answer any questions you have.”
They stepped in, and Mia noticed there were about twenty other people in the store.
She wondered how many more were expected. The store appeared crowded. Mia spotted
Alex Bennett across the room. Alex was Mia’s best friend. Had been for as long
as they could remember. Alex made sure Mia took time off to enjoy life and wasn’t
working all the time. She was also Tim Fraser’s niece. Alex smiled and nodded at Mia
as she chatted with a couple who were browsing a jewelry display. Alex wore a blue
dress and heels. Mia winced at the thought of walking in the heels. Alex made it look
effortless.
Mr. Fraser came up to them. “Marie, Mia. Thank you for coming. Are you in the market
for anything in particular?” He was a slender man with a touch of gray at the temples of
his dark brown hair. His brown eyes shone behind black-rimmed glasses. He wore a
dark blue business suit with a soft blue shirt and a red tie. His hands were soft and
carefully manicured.
Gran glanced up at him. “I’m looking for a mirror for my hallway. I’m not sure exactly
what I want, but I’ll know it when I see it.”
“I have a few mirrors, a couple are here on this level, but I also have some in the loft.
Mia, are you looking for something?”
“I’d love to find some classic art déco pieces. Depending on the size and price of
course.”
“Understandable. I have a variety in the shop. Both on the main floor and upstairs.”
“I didn’t realize there was a loft. Is that a recent addition?” Mia looked at the ceiling.
“Yes. I opened it up this spring. The space was being wasted. It didn’t take a lot of work.
Just added a floor, staircase, and a bit of electrical work.”
“Do you own the building?” Mia asked.
“Yes. I’ve been here a long time. I’m happy I do. I’ve heard the rents in the area are
going up, and shop owners are having to leave. They can’t afford the increases.” He
glanced around the room.
“We won’t keep you, Tim. We’ll wander around, and if we see anything, we’ll let you
know.” Gran put her hand on his arm.
“Excellent. Either I or Cheryl, my salesclerk, can help you. Oh, Steve can give you a
hand as well. Danielle’s husband, you know. He’s taking an interest in the business.”
Tim walked to the front of the store, where Cheryl was greeting people.
Mia and Gran wandered through the store. Tim had organized the store into sections by
antique type, age, and era. There were expensive items mixed in with less expensive
stock.
“Mia, hi! Can I offer you some wine?”
Mia turned toward the woman’s voice. “Danielle! How are you? It’s been a while.”
Danielle was Tim’s daughter and Alex’s cousin. The three women had all gone to the
same high school and university. They’d been friends for a long time.
“Yes, at least a couple of years. I’m in estate management at a bank downtown. Are you
still in archaeology?” Danielle moved the cart holding the wine and glasses to the side.
“Yes, I’m working at the city museum. On a contract for a while. You remember my
Gran, Marie Tremblay?”
“Of course. We spent lots of time at your house when we were in school.”
Gran gave Danielle a hug. “You look wonderful. Marriage agrees with you.”
“It does. We’re expecting our first baby in the new year. Dad’s looking forward to being
a grandfather.” Danielle smiled. “Here’s Steve. He’s helping Dad with some work in the
shop.”
Mia noticed Danielle’s husband. He was almost six feet tall and still had an athletic
build. He and Danielle had met on one of the golf courses in the city. Danielle had been
an excellent golfer. Mia noticed they both looked tanned and relaxed. Danielle’s black
dress showed off her toned arms.
Steve nodded. “Nice to see you. I’m learning about the business and seeing where I can help
Tim with his investments.”
“That’s right. Are you still in investment banking?” Mia asked.
“I am. I’m just helping Tim out on weekends and evenings when I have time.”
“How are you enjoying the antique trade?” Gran asked.
There was a shout from the front of the store.
“What do you mean I can’t come in? I helped build this damn store. Of course I can.”
The woman speaking looked to be in her late fifties.
“Oh no. Not again.” Danielle said.
“Excuse me. I’ll go see if Tim needs my help.” Steve hurried to the front of the store.
Mia looked at the woman causing the commotion. She was as tall as Tim, about five
feet eight inches, blond hair, and had a voluptuous figure. Her clothing was elegant, and
she projected an air of authority. “Who is that?”
“That’s my dad’s first wife. They were married for a year, and then they split up. Not
amicably, as you can see.” Danielle shook her head. “She’s been nothing but trouble.
Even going to a lawyer and claiming she owns part of the store. There’s no way she
does. Dad’s the one who did all the work.”
The woman pushed her way past Cheryl, the store clerk, and strode up to Tim. “I told
you I’d be back. And I am. I want what’s mine, and I want it now.”
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here
Thank you to Rose Kerr for stopping by Salty Inspirations today and sharing this guest post from Mia Reid.
If Death of an Antiquarian sounds like your kind of cozy mystery, be sure to add it to your TBR. While you’re here, take a look around the blog for more author features, book spotlights, interviews, and cozy mystery fun.
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations! —Michelle❤️
Thank you for hosting us on your blog.
Mia’s journals are her way of decompressing after a busy day.