Den of Antiquity Mysteries Books in Order

How to Read the Den of Antiquity Mysteries: Recommended Reading Order

The Den of Antiquity Mysteries by Tamar Myers is best enjoyed in publication order. Because the books follow the personal life, relationships, and business endeavors of protagonist Abigail Timberlake, reading them sequentially ensures you do not miss major milestones—such as her romantic developments, family changes, and even a major relocation of her antique shop. Here is the recommended reading path:

1. Larceny and Old Lace (1996): Abigail is introduced as a recently divorced antique shop owner in Charlotte, North Carolina. When her aunt Eulonia Wiggins is murdered, she is drawn into a web of secrets surrounding a missing bell pull.
2. Gilt by Association (1996): Abigail buys an 18th-century French armoire at an estate auction, only to discover a dead body stuffed inside, launching her second mystery.
3. The Ming and I (1997): A hit-and-run victim's ugly vase turns out to be a priceless Ming artifact, bringing ghost stories and family secrets to Abigail's door.
4. So Faux, So Good (1998): A struggle over an English tea service turns deadly when a rival buyer collapses outside Abigail's shop.
5. Baroque and Desperate (1999): Hired to appraise treasures in a grand mansion, Abigail is pulled into a homicide investigation when a maid is found dead.
6. Estate of Mind (1999): Abigail unearths a lost masterpiece hidden behind a copy of a Van Gogh painting, sparking a dangerous chase.
7. A Penny Urned (2000): Abigail travels to Savannah, Georgia, after inheriting the estate of Lula Mae Wiggins, who died in a champagne-filled bathtub. A rare 1793 penny hidden inside a fake Etruscan urn holds the key to the mystery.
8. Nightmare in Shining Armor (2001): A Halloween party at Abigail's shop goes up in smoke, and the body of her ex-husband's second wife, Tweetie, is found inside a mysterious suit of armor. This book serves as the turning point before Abigail moves to Charleston.
9. Splendor in the Glass (2002): Now operating in Charleston, South Carolina, Abigail brokers a valuable Lalique glass collection, but must clear her name when the collector is murdered.
10. Tiles and Tribulations (2003): A séance in Charleston turns fatal when a psychic dies, leading Abigail to investigate 17th-century Portuguese tiles.
11. Statue of Limitations (2004): Abigail's sleuthing continues in Charleston, where a statue and a murder drag her into another antique-centered crisis.
12. Monet Talks (2005): Artwork, wealth, and murder collide as Abigail handles a high-stakes transaction that goes horribly wrong.
13. The Cane Mutiny (2006): A walking cane becomes the focal point of a deadly dispute, showing that even the simplest antique can have a dark history.
14. Death of a Rug Lord (2008): Abigail tackles the competitive and sometimes lethal world of antique rugs and textile collectors.
15. Poison Ivory (2009): Abigail gets caught up in a case involving rare carvings, hidden motives, and a toxic family dynamic.
16. The Glass is Always Greener (2011): The series finale sees Abigail wrapping up her adventures, returning to North Carolina, and finding closure for her shop and personal life.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Unlike some cozy mystery series that bounce around in time, the Den of Antiquity series progresses linearly. The chronological order matches the publication order exactly. Reading the books out of order will spoil major character developments, including Abigail's relationship with homicide investigator Greg Washburn (whom she eventually marries), the antics of her ex-husband Buford, and the lives of her children, Charlie and Susan.

Setting the Scene: Charlotte to Charleston

A key element of the series is its atmospheric Southern setting. The first seven books are firmly rooted in Charlotte, North Carolina, capturing the city's unique charm, local neighborhoods, and antique trade. However, the eighth book, Nightmare in Shining Armor, marks a transition. Following the dramatic events of that novel—including the discovery of Tweetie Timberlake's body in a suit of armor—Abigail relocates both her life and her shop, the Den of Antiquity, to the historic streets of Charleston, South Carolina. Books 9 through 15 immerse readers in Charleston's Lowcountry culture, social hierarchies, and historic preservation before Abigail makes her final return to North Carolina in the concluding book, The Glass is Always Greener.

Key Characters in Abigail's World

While the mystery plots are clever, it is the recurring cast that keeps readers coming back. The main players include:

• Abigail Timberlake Washburn: The sharp, witty, and fiercely independent owner of the Den of Antiquity antique shop. Her eye for detail serves her just as well in solving murders as it does in identifying genuine artifacts.
• Greg Washburn: A dedicated homicide investigator who initially crosses paths with Abigail during her investigations. He evolves from her boyfriend to her husband, providing both romantic tension and a professional foil to her amateur sleuthing.
• Mozella Timberlake: Abigail's eccentric, class-conscious Southern belle mother. Mozella is constantly preoccupied with social status, etiquette, and pushing Abigail toward high-society connections, often adding a strong dose of humor to the stories.
• C.J.: Abigail's loyal and quirky friend, who provides moral support and helps her navigate the chaotic situations she stumbles into.
• Buford and Tweetie Timberlake: Buford is Abigail's unfaithful ex-husband, whose second wife, Tweetie, meets a bizarre end in a suit of armor in Nightmare in Shining Armor.
• Charlie and Susan: Abigail's children, whose growth and life choices provide a realistic background to Abigail's busy life as a shop owner and sleuth.

What to Know Before You Start

Tamar Myers brings a unique voice to the cozy mystery genre. Born in the Belgian Congo to Mennonite missionaries, Myers experienced a major culture shock when she moved to the United States. This distinct perspective infuses her writing with an observant, sometimes satirical view of Southern social customs and etiquette. The series is lighthearted, humorous, and focuses heavily on antique lore, making it a perfect fit for collectors and history buffs. Note that while Myers is also famous for her Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery series (featuring Mennonite innkeeper Magdalena Yoder), there are no official crossovers between the two series. They remain completely independent universes, so you can read either one first without missing a beat.

Practical Reader Advice

If you are planning to dive into the Den of Antiquity Mysteries, keep these tips in mind:

• Start at the beginning: While each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the final page, the character arcs, marriages, and location changes make starting with Larceny and Old Lace highly recommended.
• Expect a focus on antiques: Each mystery is centered around a specific collectible or historical artifact, from Ming vases to Lalique glass. The antique descriptions are detailed and accurate, reflecting the author's own appreciation for the trade.
• A lighthearted tone: Do not expect gritty police procedurals or graphic violence. These are traditional cozy mysteries where the emphasis is on deduction, quirky character interactions, and Southern hospitality.