The Barton and Brooks cosy mysteries, written by Ned Hoste, are set in and around Exeter in the county of Devon in the United Kingdom. The series follows a number of cases investigated by Detective Inspector Whipton Barton, assisted by Detective Sergeant Saxon Brooks. There are other recurring characters for the reader to get to know, including Lydia Barton (Whipton Barton’s wife), Miranda Jones, a friend of Lydia’s, among many others.
Then there is Pip the Golden Retriever, Whipton Barton’s local dog who lives his best life in a town by the river Exe and does all the things a retriever should: eat, sleep and be merry and sometimes digs up vital clues. The Antiquarian is the first book in the series.
The Publisher is the second book in the series, and is currently with the editor. Keep a watch here for the publication date, which I will announce as soon as I can.
The Antiquarian Print & Ebook
In the heart of historic Exeter, Detective Inspector Whipton Barton is called to investigate the mysterious death of Dr Evelyn Merton, a brilliant historian found dead in the Cathedral’s Chapter House. As Barton delves into the world of ancient manuscripts and academic rivalries, he uncovers a web of obsession and betrayal, and a chilling hoax. With the help of his team and the insights of those closest to Evelyn, Barton must unravel the truth before the killer strikes again. The Antiquarianis a gripping cosy mystery where history isn’t just a passion – it’s a deadly force.
Available on Amazon, Apple Books, Big Ideas Library, Goodreads, Google Books, Gumroad, Kindle, Kobo, Waterstones
The Audiobook
The investigation is now brought to life by the vocal talent of Charles Robert Fox.
Available on Amazon, Apple Books, Audible
Unabridged recording
6 hours and 53 minutes
Reviews for The Antiqaurian from around the world…
“Beautiful setting, and the characters” Ann Victoria Roberts
“I really enjoyed the story, the beautiful setting, and the characters – and I take my hat off to you regarding the research you must have done. Most of all, I admire you for turning your attention to detective fiction – my favourite reading matter – and I look forward to the next Barton & Brooks mystery!”
Ann Victoria Roberts
“The appealing character set up is ripe for the next in the series.” Jacky Fitt
“A great first novel by authorNed Hoste. Evocative of time and place, with an original and thought provoking plot. The appealing character set up is ripe for the next in the series. Looking forward to it.”
Jacky Fitt
“Thoroughly enjoyable book” maggiemoosmom
“A beautifully written, atmospheric mystery” Olayiwola Mary
“A beautifully written, atmospheric mystery set in historic Exeter.
I truly enjoyed following DI Barton through this clever and quietly gripping story. The setting added so much richness, and the characters felt grounded and real especially Barton himself. The historical backdrop, the academic twists, and the subtle tension kept me hooked.You can tell a lot of research and care went into this book. Can’t wait to see where Barton & Brooks go next!”
Olayiwola Mary
“I look forward to the next one” Jill Dobson
“Finished the book in one day. Enjoyed meeting the main characters and loved being able to relate to the area. Brought back lovely memories of our stay in Topsham. Look forward to the next one.”
Jill Dobson
“Thought-provoking and intelligent” Bari Lynn Hein
“I did not predict the outcome of The Antiquarian, but once it was disclosed, it made perfect sense. The premise of it is intelligent and thought-provoking. The characters have internal and external conflicts and authentic, complicated relationships with one another. I would’ve liked a clearer sense of setting—who wouldn’t want to be immersed in the South Coast of England!—but aside from that, I think Ned Hoste did a good job of weaving together a tight cosy mystery.”
Bari Lynn Hein
“This is my favourite type of cosy detective fiction” A S Hepburn
“This is my favourite type of cosy detective fiction, the plot is good and I didn’t guess the outcome. The characters are really believable, and the setting in Devon is lovely, both in Exeter with the medieval cathedral, and then in the small town of Topsham with its estuary and pubs. There’s also a lovely dog, what more could you want? I’m looking forward to the next in the series.”
A S Hepburn
“I was hooked from chapter 1” Anthony
“Finished the book in 2 3 hour train journeys. I was hooked from chapter 1. Loved the characters and the location descriptions. Well done Ned. Can’t wait for book 2.”
Anthony
“The mystery is both interesting and addictive” John Marsden
“DI Barton and DS Brooks investigate a strange death in a locked room in Exeter Cathedral. The mystery is both interesting and addictive, keeping you engaged right through to the end. Charles Robert Fox’s narration is excellent, bringing the characters and atmosphere to life.
A recommended listen.”
John Marsden
“An excellent debut cosy mystery novel…Fun read.” Todd Hannula
An excellent debut cosy mystery novel by this author. Found myself pulled back to the book as the story strolled along a winding village path. While the endings of these things can sometimes be guessed, the imagery and meaningful twist at the end made for a surprisingly pleasant read. I sat in the early summer sun over the course of a couple of days and got to know Barton and the other characters, so I look forward to what is likely to be a series. Fun read!
Todd Hannula
“A cosy mystery indeed.” Ali
“An excellent debut cosy mystery novel by this author. Found myself pulled back to the book as the story strolled along a winding village path. While the endings of these things can sometimes be guessed, the imagery and meaningful twist at the end made for a surprisingly pleasant read. I sat in the early summer sun over the course of a couple of days and got to know Barton and the other characters, so I look forward to what is likely to be a series. Fun read”!
Ali
Next in the series: The Publisher
When nineteen-year-old Rosemary Cope vanishes from her university course in Exeter, there’s little fanfare; initially, no one notices. Quiet, brilliant, and reclusive, Rosemary had mastered the art of being invisible. But when the renowned publisher Max Delgado also goes missing, shortly after his beloved company Eucalyptus Press is sold to Berger Media in a hostile takeover Detective Inspector Whipton Barton suspects there’s more to their disappearances than meets the eye.
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Author & Designer
Ned Hoste
With over 40 years in publishing and design, I have designed more than 4,000 book covers and 250 complete titles. I began my professional design career at 15 and went on to work in-house at Sphere Books before founding my own studio, 2H Design. In 2007, I founded The Big Ideas Collective and its publishing arm The Big Ideas Library. I have spoken at literary festivals, universities, and TEDx workshops on publishing, creativity, and communication. I am a Fellow of the RSA and an ILM-endorsed trainer. I also write about publishinghere.
I am delighted to say that now, when I am asked the question, “Have you ever written a book yourself?” Since April 2025, I can now say yes, I am the author of the Barton & Brooks Cosy Mystery series.
