by: Rose Kerr
Series: Mia Reid, Archaeologist
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: December 16, 2025
Publisher: Level Best Books
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?
Thank you so much for having me here with you. I’m so happy to be here!
Please introduce yourself to readers.
I’m thirty-eight years old and live in Lakeview City, Ontario, Canada. It’s the largest city in Ontario. We’re on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario.
I’m an archaeologist, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve been involved with archaeology all my life. My mom and dad are both archaeologists, and I went with them on digs around the world when I was growing up. There are photos of me with my nanny digging in various digs Mom and Dad worked on.
When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my Gran and my best friend, Alex. Gran has been a strong presence in my life, and I still go to her for advice.
I enjoy spending time outdoors. Even living in a big city, I have access to parks and beaches. I take advantage of that as often as I can. And I’m not too far from the family cottage in the Muskoka area.
And, since this summer, I’ve been spending time with Luke Forbes. We were together in grad school and then broke up. We reconnected this summer on the Isle of Skye, and it’s been wonderful getting to know him.
I’ve been able to show him around Lakeview City and introduce him to my friends.
Can you please tell us about some people we’ll meet in your story?
Sure! You’ll get to meet some of my favorite people.
First, there’s Gran. She’s my maternal grandmother and has been a strong influence in my life. Most of her working career was spent as an antique dealer. When I was in school, and Mom and Dad left to go on digs, I stayed with Gran and my grandfather. I can always count on Gran to be there no matter what happens in my life.
Next is Alex. She’s my best friend. We met in elementary school and have been close since. We connect daily. Either a phone call, a visit, or a text. Not a day goes by that we don’t speak. She works for the Department of Education for the province of Ontario, helping them formulate programs that will benefit kids in school. She’s also my fashion guru. When I got back home from Scotland this summer, one of the first things she did was help me buy a wardrobe that works for my new position at the museum. She’s got a great sense of style and really helped me put myself together. She understands me very well.
And finally, Luke Forbes. We met when we were in grad school. We fell in love, and our plans were to be together for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, he wound up returning to England to spend time with his family and then got married to a former girlfriend. It’s a long, complicated story. But the bottom line is we were both at fault for the problems we had. We reconnected this summer, on the Isle of Skye. And our attraction was still there. He’s divorced and working for Interpol with AART (Antiquities, Art, Recovery Team). He was working on the Isle of Skye. He’s coming to Lakeview City to work with the local police. He’s providing training on what to look for in antiquities and artifact smuggling. We’re living in my condo, and it’s going to be an adjustment.
Tell me about a defining moment in your life.
The most recent one was when I discovered my good friend Ethan had been killed at our dig on the Isle of Skye. I was pulled into the investigation and was determined to find his killer. I was angry that Ethan had died because of someone else’s greed, and wanted him to have justice. I’m happy to have been instrumental in learning who was involved in his death and helping put them away.
What’s your most prized possession?
You probably think I have some kind of ancient artifact, but not so. My grandfather passed away about ten years ago, and he left me his old Timex watch. I loved it when I was growing up, and he told me it would be mine when he didn’t need it anymore.
I wear it every day, in spite of Alex telling me it doesn’t work with my new wardrobe. It keeps excellent time and has a big face. In deference to Alex’s fashion sense, I’ve updated the watchband.
Why do you feel the need to put on your sleuthing hat and investigate murders?
I need to know the answers. I have to know who did it and, most importantly, why they did it. My sense of justice needs to be fulfilled.
What can readers expect from Death of an Antiquarian?
This adventure takes place in Lakeview City, Ontario. I’m back home in Canada.
A friend’s father, who’s an antique dealer, is murdered in his shop after Gran and I have been there for a soirée. My friend, Danielle Fraser, asks me to investigate. Readers will get a glimpse of the antique world and smuggling as well.
I’m also working at a new job. I’m a curator at the Lakeview City Museum and readers will get a behind the scenes look at the work archaeologists do in museums.
I’ve been told this story is a fast-paced plot and will keep readers turning the pages.
Mia, thank you so much for your time.
Thank you for having me visit! I enjoyed answering your questions.
Good luck to the readers in the giveaway!
Purchase Death of an Antiquarian from:
(Affiliate Links Used)
The Mia Reid, Archaeologist Mystery Series:
Places to find Rose Kerr:
You can follow the Death of an Antiquarian Blog Tour here.
No comments:
Post a Comment
STOP!
Comments that include links to other sites, or names including links WILL BE CONSIDERED SPAM AND DELETED.