Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Murder on the Toy Town Express is the second installment in the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series set in East Aurora, NY and features vintage toy shop co-owner Liz McCall. The toy and train show is coming to town and the McCall family is having a booth for their shop, Well Played.
Liz isn't too happy to discover that Craig McFadden, the school yard bully and now the owner of the comic book store across the street has a booth set up next to hers. Craig is acting a little bizarre wearing a superhero cape and bragging that he has a big announcement to make. When Craig appears on the catwalk high above the crowd and ultimately plunges to the ground, Liz and her father who is also the retired police chief quickly find themselves in the midst of the investigation.
A fast moving plot line with plenty of suspects, well developed characters and a hint of romance. I have not had the opportunity to read the first in this series but had no troubles following along.
Liz isn't too happy to discover that Craig McFadden, the school yard bully and now the owner of the comic book store across the street has a booth set up next to hers. Craig is acting a little bizarre wearing a superhero cape and bragging that he has a big announcement to make. When Craig appears on the catwalk high above the crowd and ultimately plunges to the ground, Liz and her father who is also the retired police chief quickly find themselves in the midst of the investigation.
A fast moving plot line with plenty of suspects, well developed characters and a hint of romance. I have not had the opportunity to read the first in this series but had no troubles following along.
Kristina A. reviewed Murder on the Toy Town Express (Vintage Toyshop, Bk 2) on + 1528 more book reviews
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.
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.
