Step into the charming yet thrilling world of the Antique Print Mysteries, where dusty prints and hidden clues unravel gripping tales of murder and intrigue! Penned by Lea Wait, this cozy mystery series follows Maggie Summer, an antique print dealer and amateur sleuth, as she solves crimes in the picturesque landscapes of Maine. Blending historical artifacts with contemporary whodunits, it’s a delightful escape for mystery lovers craving a unique twist.
With its small-town charm, richly detailed settings, and a heroine who’s as curious as she is clever, the series invites readers to explore a world where every antique print holds a story—and sometimes a secret. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or fascinated by the antiquarian trade, Maggie’s adventures promise a captivating journey.
How Antique Print Mysteries Began
Lea Wait, a fourth-generation antique dealer, drew inspiration from her own life when crafting the Antique Print Mysteries. Having run an antique print business since 1977, Wait infused her expertise into Maggie Summer, a character who mirrors her passion for historical prints. After leaving the corporate world in 1998 and settling in Edgecomb, Maine, Wait began writing full-time, launching the series with Shadows at the Fair in 2002. Her goal? To weave her love for antiques and Maine’s coastal charm into compelling mysteries that educate and entertain.
The Heart of Antique Print Mysteries
The series spans eight novels, each a standalone mystery tied together by Maggie’s sleuthing and the evocative Maine setting. In Shadows at the Fair (2002), Maggie attends a New York antiques fair where a dealer’s murder sparks her investigation to clear a friend’s nephew, blending fairground bustle with print trade lore. Shadows on the Coast of Maine (2003) sees her unraveling secrets in a historic Maine house, while Shadows on the Ivy (2004) takes her to a New Jersey college campus where a poisoning case threatens her students. Shadows on a Morning in Maine (2016), the final book, explores a murder tied to harbor seals and family secrets, cementing Maggie’s knack for untangling complex cases.
Themes of history, community, and personal discovery run deep. Wait’s novels are rich with details about antique prints—think Winslow Homer engravings or Currier & Ives lithographs—making each book a mini-lesson in art history. The Maine setting, from quaint seaports to foggy coasts, acts as a vivid backdrop, grounding the stories in a sense of place. Maggie’s journey as a widow and adoptive mother adds emotional depth, while her tentative romance with fellow dealer Will Brewer keeps readers rooting for her. The cozy mystery style, with its focus on character-driven plots and clever puzzles, makes the series a perfect blend of heart and suspense.
Why Antique Print Mysteries Resonates
The Antique Print Mysteries carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by spotlighting the obscure world of antique prints, a refreshing departure from culinary or bookshop-themed series. Fans praise Wait’s ability to educate without preaching, weaving print trivia into page-turning plots. The series’ Maine-centric narratives also resonate with readers who love regional mysteries, offering an authentic taste of New England life. Though Lea Wait passed away in 2019, her work continues to charm readers, with Shadows at the Fair earning an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel, a testament to its enduring appeal.
- Publication Years: 2002–2016
- Number of Books: 8
- Notable Award: Agatha Award nomination for Shadows at the Fair (2002)
- Setting: Primarily Maine, with some East Coast locations
Grab Shadows at the Fair and dive into the Antique Print Mysteries’ cozy world of clues, prints, and Maine magic!