A Crime Through Time by John Anthony Miller, released in May 2022, is a captivating historical cozy mystery that has enchanted readers with its ingenious dual-timeline puzzle and atmospheric French settings, earning widespread acclaim for its clever plotting and seamless blend of intrigue across eras. Spanning Paris in 1874—where an artist’s model is brutally murdered and a wealthy socialite posing for her portrait becomes the target of a shadowy stalker—and Normandy in 1956, where a young widow inherits a seaside house containing eight enigmatic old paintings accompanied by a cryptic note declaring them keys to an unsolved crime, the novel masterfully interlaces two mysteries a century apart. As the widow deciphers the artworks' hidden messages with the aid of a retired policeman, echoes of the past reveal a web of deceit involving pompous detectives, romantic artists, ambitious jockeys, a famous racehorse, and even a Nazi colonel, transforming lies into truths and fiction into shocking fact in a tale where nothing is quite as it seems.Readers have raved about the novel’s twisty narrative and immersive historical details. A Goodreads reviewer enthused, “Author Miller weaves a gripping tale that will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't stop reading this one—and the ending will surprise and shock you! A highly recommended read for mystery fans!” Another shared, “The mystery in this book kept me intrigued! I truly enjoyed the back and forth of the two timelines... This is by far my favorite book from John Anthony Miller! If you want an entertaining cozy mystery this is the book for you!” On Amazon, a fan raved, “Fantastic read! Just when I thought I had it figured out, John Miller added more twists and turns! The book flowed seamlessly between time periods, giving just enough information to keep the reader engaged without giving away the ending,” awarding it 5 stars. A UK reviewer added, “A very good cozy mystery, with two different timelines, set in France... It was supercozy and compelling, brilliantly written. Well plotted.” X posts from
@authorjamiller
throughout 2025 spotlight the book’s enduring charm and its “puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit,” highlighting its availability on Kindle Unlimited, which has sustained its popularity among cozy mystery devotees.
@authorjamiller
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John Anthony Miller, an American author born in Philadelphia to English and Italian roots, has cemented his status as a storyteller of historical enigmas with his evocative mysteries rooted in exotic locales. Fueled by a love for travel and the shadows of the past, he pens narratives of ordinary lives entangled in extraordinary deceptions, as evident in beloved titles like When Darkness Comes, A Crooked Cottage by the Sea, The Widow's Walk, and Honour the Dead. Critics celebrate his meticulous historical layering and character depth, with one noting, “Light hearted yet filled with great historical nuggets, A Crime Through Time is an original and easy read that covers some tough topics in a lighthearted way.” Subtle threads of honor, romance, and moral ambiguity enrich the dual eras, inspired by the coastal vibes of his New Jersey base. Miller fosters a devoted community through his engaging X account (
@authorjamiller
) and persists in unraveling the past's buried secrets.
A Crime Through Time is a standout cozy historical mystery, its timeless riddles and surprising revelations affirming its essential status for enthusiasts of deception, discovery, and era-spanning suspense. John Anthony Miller’s prowess in crafting puzzles that tease and tantalize until the final brushstroke solidifies this novel as a brilliant jewel in his illustrious historical canon.