The Publisher: Perfect for Fans of Richard Osman
Print & Ebook
A missing student.
A vanished publisher.
A podcast that reveals too much.
When nineteen-year-old Rosemary Cope disappears from Exeter University just weeks into her first term, Detective Inspector Whipton Barton fears the worst. Six months later, with no trace of the brilliant but solitary computer science student, the case has gone cold.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz,The Publisher is a contemporary cosy crime novel that explores the price of devotion, the seduction of reinvention, and the fine line between disappearing and being erased.
Audiobook
The investigation is now brought to life by the vocal talent of Charles Robert Fox.
Available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes
Unabridged recording
8 hours and 21 minutes
Available from
Audiobook coming in Summer 2026
Reviews for Book 1 The Antiquarian
"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
"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