Step into the charmingly chaotic world of the Den of Antiquity Mysteries, where every antique hides a secret and every murder begs to be solved! This delightful 16-book cozy mystery series by Tamar Myers follows Abigail Timberlake, a sharp-witted antique shop owner in Charlotte, North Carolina, as she stumbles into crimes that blend Southern charm with sleuthing savvy. Perfect for fans of quirky characters and clever whodunits, this series invites you to dust off your detective skills and dive into a world where old treasures spark new troubles.
With its blend of humor, antique lore, and small-town intrigue, Den of Antiquity Mysteries offers a refreshing twist on the cozy mystery genre. Whether you’re an avid reader of amateur sleuth tales or simply love a good story with a side of Southern sass, Abigail’s adventures are sure to captivate.
How Den of Antiquity Mysteries Began
Tamar Myers, a Congolese-born author with a Mennonite background, launched the Den of Antiquity Mysteries in 1996 with Larceny and Old Lace. Drawing on her love for antiques and her experiences in Charlotte, North Carolina, Myers crafted a series that marries her knack for storytelling with a passion for quirky, collectible treasures. Inspired by the vibrant antique trade and the colorful characters she encountered, Myers created Abigail Timberlake—a recently divorced, tenacious shop owner whose knack for finding trouble is matched only by her eye for rare finds.
Myers’ unique upbringing, including her time in the Congo and her adjustment to American life, infuses the series with a distinctive voice. Her goal was to craft mysteries that were lighthearted yet suspenseful, appealing to readers who craved both laughter and intrigue. The series ran until 2011, concluding with The Glass is Always Greener, leaving a trail of devoted fans.
The Heart of Den of Antiquity Mysteries
The series kicks off with Larceny and Old Lace (1996), where Abigail investigates the murder of her aunt Eulonia Wiggins, puzzled by a missing antique bell pull. In The Ming and I (1997), a hit-and-run victim’s hideous vase turns out to be a priceless Ming artifact, leading Abigail to unravel family secrets and a ghostly legend. So Faux, So Good (1998) sees Abigail outbidding rivals for an English tea service, only to face a mysterious collapse outside her shop. Finally, Tiles and Tribulations (2003) takes her to a séance in Charleston, where a psychic’s death and hidden 17th-century tiles spark a wild investigation.
At its core, the series thrives on themes of curiosity, resilience, and the thrill of discovery. Abigail’s antique shop, Den of Antiquity, is more than a setting—it’s a treasure trove where every object, from Ming vases to Portuguese tiles, holds a clue. The Southern setting, with its blend of hospitality and hidden rivalries, adds warmth and tension, while Myers’ humor shines through in quirky characters like Abigail’s Southern belle mother, Mozella, and her friend C.J. The cozy mystery style, with its focus on amateur sleuthing and minimal gore, makes the series a cozy yet captivating read.
The series’ move to Charleston in later books, like Nightmare in Shining Armor, broadens its scope, infusing Lowcountry charm into Abigail’s adventures. Myers’ knack for weaving antique history into each plot elevates the series, making it a love letter to collectors and mystery buffs alike.
Why Den of Antiquity Mysteries Resonates
The Den of Antiquity Mysteries carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending antique expertise with relatable, flawed characters. Abigail’s tenacity and wit make her a standout sleuth, while the series’ focus on small-town dynamics and collectible curios appeals to readers who love a puzzle wrapped in Southern charm. Its lighthearted tone and clever plots have earned it a loyal following, particularly among fans of authors like Joan Hess or Carolyn Hart.
Though not a cultural juggernaut, the series’ legacy lies in its ability to make antiques thrilling and mysteries accessible. It reminds us that even in a quiet antique shop, adventure awaits those willing to dig a little deeper.
- Publication Years: 1996–2011
- Number of Books: 16
- Setting: Charlotte, North Carolina (later Charleston, South Carolina)
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab Larceny and Old Lace and dive into the Den of Antiquity Mysteries’ world of antiques, secrets, and Southern sleuthing! Whether you’re chasing clues or chuckling at Abigail’s antics, this series is a gem worth discovering.