Liz McCall has come to love running her father’s vintage toyshop back home in East Aurora, NY, so when the Train and Toy Show comes to town, she’s all aboard for a fun toy-filled weekend. The only hitch is that her childhood bully Craig McFadden, now local business rival, has set up a booth next to hers. But the fun and games are over when Craig falls from the ceiling in a publicity stunt gone … wrong.
What was initially thought to be a fatal accident proves much more sinister. Pulled into the case by her feelings for both Ken, the police chief, and Jack, her high school sweetheart whose brother is one the prime suspects, Liz dives headfirst into the investigation. But as she digs deeper, she’s shocked to learn her father may have been the intended target.
The trouble train is barreling down and Liz may have just bought herself a first class ticket in Murder on the Toy Town Express, Barbara Early’s delightful second installment in her Vintage Toyshop mysteries.
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The Toy and Train Expo has come to town, and Liz McCall and her father have a booth for their vintage toy shop, Well Played. Their booth is next to a face from Liz’s past, Craig McFadden, who used to bully Liz in school. Craig has some big announcement to make this weekend, but before he can, he plunges off the cat walk in the convention center. What’s going on?
I never really grew up, so a series set in a vintage toy shop has me smiling from page one. The fact that the story is strong and kept me guessing only helps. The characters are wonderful, and I’d love to meet Liz and her family. There are significant developments in the romantic triangle introduced in the previous book. Add in a strong dose of humor thanks to certain events and Liz’s father’s love of puns, and you’ve got a winning book.
Murder on the Toy Town Express by Barbara Early is the second novel in A Vintage Toyshop Mystery series. Liz McCall and her father, Hank are heading to the East Aurora Train and Toy Show with items from their vintage toyshop, Well Played. They arrive to discover that their booth is next to Craig’s Comics owned by Craig McFadden (who tormented Liz all through childhood). Craig is running around is a caped crusader outfit excited about an announcement he will be making and soon appears up on the catwalk. Unfortunately, Craig plunges to his death and it is believed he was injured in a publicity stunt that went awry. Later that night, Craig dies in the local hospital and the police discover that Craig’s death was not so innocent. Hank and Liz are on the case helping local Police Chief Ken Young. Can they uncover the killer before the train and toy show departs town?
Murder on the Toy Town Express is nicely written and has a good pace. I found it easy to read and I liked the descriptions of the vintage toys (and treats). I would suggest starting with Death of a Toy Soldier before embarking on Murder on the Toy Town Express. Otherwise, you might be a little lost in the beginning. There are some humorous puns in the story that will cause readers to giggle. I wish, though, the author had not put a love triangle into the story, and I thought too much time was devoted to romance. Though, it does look like one of the love interests may have a secret. The mystery was not complicated and the killer can be identified early in the story (insert disappointed sigh). I kept hoping for a good, unexpected twist. My rating for Murder on the Toy Town Express is 4 out of 5 stars. I like the characters (especially Hank), the toy store, the town, and the great toys. There is one revelation that provided a laugh out loud moment (involves My Little Pony). I do find that some details are overlooked or not provided (like Maxine’s last name). I appreciate that Hank and Liz work with the police on the investigation. I will continuing with A Vintage Toyshop Mystery series.