Complete review will be available on my blog as of October 11 because I am part of a blog tour for the book and that is my day.

This book was even better than the first one. Liz and her Dad are at a local toy expo type show when her old childhood bully suddenly falls from the ceiling collapsing a train set-up. It is looking like he will recover when he suddenly has a heart attack and dies. As if that is not bad enough several other strange things are happening at the same time which also need to be looked into. Her dad is hired as a temporary head of security for the even site which opens the way into the investigation which is all these two can really think about. The characters are all well developed with little quirks that make you just love them rooting for them as the story keeps going (especially when it comes to the personal issues such as romance). Getting attached is quite easy which makes me anxious for the next installment in the series. The toy shop adds just the right note of whimsy to the story and a nice background for most of the events to occur (the game nights are quite interesting). The crazy investigation was a hoot with both her and her dad really getting into it which adds several layers to the overall story. This is an excellent cozy mystery that I highly recommend to fans of that genre. I really enjoyed it so it gets 4/5 stars.

This one is so fun and fast paced that I read straight through from start to finish. A fatal accident at the annual Train and Toy show plunges Liz McCall and her father int into a murder investigation involving trains and rare comic books. There's a lot going on here, but it all ties together very well and I didn't guess the murderer's identity until it was revealed.

Who would think that vintage toys could engender such rivalry? Certainly Liz didn't when she went into business with her dad and to a toy show. The thing is, people don't like bullies, which could be how Craig ended up dead but as Liz discovers in this carefully crafted novel- Craig might not have been the intended victim. There's a little romantic triangle going on between Liz, Ken, and Jack but it's not much more than background (I wonder if this will be expanded on in future installments.). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You'll like this if you're a cozy reader who enjoys intrepid amateurs who are trying to work out a mystery in order to protect their family.

A terrific cozy mystery. Loved the toy references...a trip down memory lane. Snickered at all the puns. Clever mystery with a surprise ending. I am eager to read the next one in this charming series.

I love this series of books by Barbara Early. I love to handsel it to my customers who enjoy a well-written cozy mystery.

I finished Murder on the Toy Town Express by Barbara Early on September 16th. This is a first in the series for me and boy is it ever a fun one! I love toys, vintage and new and I love trains so I could very easily picture the setting and plot of this cozy murder mystery. While I was reading it I felt like I was walking the Train show with my friend Sheryl, a fellow toy and doll enthusiast as we followed main character Liz and her father around for the investigation. This series touched on a number of themes that actually related to my own life and I found this to be a very touching and relatable cozy! I did not clue into who the murderer really was until the reveal, maybe not wanting to just a tiny bit, lots of smaller twists and turns that keeps you wanting more! I am excited to see where this series goes next! Murder on the Toy Town Express comes out October 10th.

Murder On The Toy Town Express
Vintage Toyshop Mystery, Book #2
Barbara Early
5 Stars

Synopsis:

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. (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters really came alive for me in the pages of this book. Liz is a smart determined woman who is not afraid of hard work. She is also not afraid to stick her nose into police business, especially if it will help her any of her family or friends. She is close to her family, especially her dad. All of her nosiness she credits to him because, as the former police chief, he shared cases with her when she was younger. And although she is sort of dating Ken, the new police chief, she feels the need to help him solve the mystery of the death at the Train and Toy Show. She loves working puzzles and this is a real puzzler.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the story, I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place around me and eavesdropping on conversations. I could see the trains set up at the show and hear the whistles blowing as the trains went around the track.

The mystery is well plotted and carried on well throughout the entire book. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through that it was not an easy mystery to solve. I did not figure out the culprit until it was revealed at the end and I was very surprised when I found out.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, a mystery that will keep you guessing and a theme that will have you reminiscing about your childhood, you do not want to miss this book.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.

Liz McCall has settled into her job as the manager of her father’s vintage toy shop in East Aurora, NY when the Train and Toy Show comes to town. Liz and her retired police officer father decide they will set up a booth at the show to showcase some of the toys from their shop. The show should be a lot of fun but Liz finds that her childhood bully, Craig McFadden, is also at the show and now their business competition with a booth set up right next to theirs.

The show is going well when everyone spies Craig up in the rafters of the building walking around when suddenly he falls right into a display. Rushed off to the hospital everyone first thinks Craig’s publicity stunt just went wrong and he’s had a horrible accident. But when clues start pointing to there being more to Craig’s fall and possibly even her father as the real target Liz once again finds herself investigating the case.

Murder on the Toy Town Express is the second book in the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series by Barbara Early. Each book in the series is a cozy mystery that features a different case so the books can pass as standalones if desired although there would be a slight bit of character building missing that occurred in the first book.

This cozy series has all of the fun elements that I enjoy from the genre, likable characters and a fun, unique setting along with a believable investigation from our main character with a bit of help from her ex-police father. I would warn that while any romance is extremely background in the stories there is a bit of a love triangle angle with two potential romantic interests for Liz but it seems put in more for involvement with the case than an actual push towards romance. I’ll be looking forward to the next installment in the series and what’s in store for our characters in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

This is the second book in the series about a toy store in East Aurora, New York. Vintage and antique toys, dolls, lunchboxes, and more crowd the shelves for adults to have the chance to return to their youth. In fact, once a week the owner, Liz McCall and father Hank host game night. Community members and customers come to play vintage games for a couple hours. All in all it is a welcoming shop that does particularly brisk business in the season approaching Christmas. This year they are once again selling toys at the conference center where the Annual Toy and Train sale is being held. What starts out as a long but fun weekend is quickly not quite as much fun for Liz. A guy she went to school with (Craig) has a display of comic books very near Liz's booth. Unfortunately, they have bad history between them, Things don't get any better as the morning goes on. When a publicity stunt goes wrong, Craig falls from the catwalk onto a train display and barely escapes with his life. Meanwhile comics are being stolen, mobsters are casing the tables, and the security guard has been removed. Hank, as a former police chief, is pressed into security duties. Meanwhile both men who Carrie dates are at the show. Jack, along with his recently released on parole brother Ben, and Ken, the current chief of police.

The book continues with Liz and Hank trying to solve a mystery of stolen comics worth over $90,000. Then Craig dies and they take on solving his murder as well. An awful lot happens in a short time, and I got tired just reading about it all! Having had tables at toy shows in the past, I can only imagine only too well how exhausted they were even without a murder and thefts to solve!

I love the characters in this series because they seem like real people and have lots of business to take care of with the shop as well as the other crimes. They act and talk like real people. The pacing of the book is good, as it reaches it's peak the conclusion leaves you wishing the book wasn't over! Sign of a good book for me is when you get to the end and turn the page convinced there will be more even when you know it's over. I sure had that feeling-I wanted more!

I was impressed with the accuracy of the author when it came to the toys and the details of the toy show. Her descriptions and general pricing that was a part of the background fabric of the book was spot on. The toy show description, crowds, and customers were written like someone had videotaped toy shows and transcribed their details. Those scenes were so realistic to someone who has seen and sold at many shows, that I could almost feel the grit and smell the overcooked food as customers came by the booth.

If you are new to Barbara Early's series, be sure to read the first book "Death of a Toy Soldier" first. You will appreciate the characters in this second book more if you have already met them and learned about the relationships between them. Besides, you won't want to miss any of Ms Early's fun topic of vintage toys! You will remember toys of your childhood while reading these books. Such fun!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
I did not read the previous book, but I will now!
I really enjoyed the characters and the relationship between the family members.
The whodunit left me guessing right until the end!
A well written and entertaining book. I hope this series continues!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

When I had the opportunity to read the galley on Murder on the Toy Town Express,. I jumped at the chance. I had previously read the first book in the series, Death of a Toy Soldier, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This second entry into the series was no disappointment. In this book, we rejoin Liz McCall who works in her father's vintage toy shop in New York. This year the train and toy show is coming to East Aurora and Liz and her father will have their own booth. Liz is disappointed to find her booth right next to that of her childhood bully. She doesn't have to avoid him for long, however, because he falls from a catwalk to a train display below. Is this an accident or something more. Liz's ex-police chief father can't bring himself to stay away when there are such unknowns, and Liz finds herself immersed in yet another mystery.

Again, I have found this to be as very enjoyable series. Cozy surroundings, characters you are interested in and want to learn more about, and a few good twists (I thought I knew, then I didn't, then I REALLY didn't after I convinced myself. Did you follow that??). Yes, it's a little Christmasy, but not so much you will feel odd reading it in July (though I recommend you get it when it first comes out!). I recommend this book and this series.

Liz and her father, a retired police chief, are exhibiting their toy shop's wares in a Toy Convention. But, the owner of the comic book store who's exhibiting next to them has an unfortunate accident. Liz and her dad can't seem to stay away from trying to learn who caused it. This book has excellent characters and several side-plots (including a romantic dilemma) that add interest to the story. It also has several aspects that make the reader want to read the next installment--talk about a cliff-hanger! It was a fun read, light and easy to follow. My only suggestion is to do a little more with the cat! Kudos to the author! I'll be watching for the next one!

Barbara Early scores again big time with 'Murder on the Toy Town Express'. The great cast of characters, led by Liz McCall and her Dad are all present, with some additions that bring more depth to all there is about East Aurora, New York and it's charm. There is an excellent and surprising mystery, suspense, humor and romance. The ending left me shocked and eagerly anticipating more. I highly recommend the book!

A fabulous cozy mystery, I definitely need to go back and read the first one. I really loved the nostalgic element of the old fashioned toy shop and the characters are quirky and interesting. I preferred the mystery element of the books rather than the love triangle scenario that plays out alongside but overall a great read!

Humor mixed with a murder, vintage toys and Thanksgiving parade in a small town combine to create an enjoyable reading experience.

Liz McCall and her father, Hank a retired police chief, own the East Aurora NY' vintage toy shop.

The pre-Thanksgiving annual train & toy show's surprise announcement opens multiple investigations involving Craig McFadden, Liz's school bully, and his comic book shop.

Funny incidents with Liz's driving, and a love life that continues to flutter between restaurateur Jack & police chief Ken with a loop thrown in at the end of the book means I will definitely be waiting for the next in this series.

I loved reminiscing about the old toys and board games. Characters are well developed and easy to like.

I volunteered to read an ARC from Crooked Lane Books through Net Galley.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

The first book in this series was one of my favorite cozy mystery reads last year so I immediately requested this book when I saw it pop up on netgalley. While I did think book 1 was a bit better, this book was still very good. I quickly got in the story, then a part seemed a bit slow, but once things start going wrong the pace really picked up again. I was lovely to be back in this town and the toy shop.

The mystery in this book was a good one again. It really kept me guessing, at first I had no clue who was the murderer. When the mystery progressed I mostly kept thinking the people who were suspects didn't seem quite right. There is a lot going on in this one and lots of people involved in some way which made for a great and complex mystery. It was hard to tell what was relevant or tied into the murder and what not and it made for an interesting touch. In the end I figured out who the murderer was seconds before the main character did. It suddenly clicked in place. And it was nice to see how everything tied together. I also liked how after they solve the mystery there is another chapter or so to wrap things up.

The first part of the book takes place at a toy and train show and lots of the important characters for this mystery are introduced there. The show was a fun set-up for this book, a bit like a convention with lots of sellers attending, but at the same time I was happy when they got back to their shop. The shop is just more fun to read about and I think it made for a better setting. I liked reading about the old toys and I really like that part of this story. The toy shop gives a nice flavor to this mystery and I really like reading about the shop and the characters.

Just as in the first book I enjoyed reading about Liz and her father, how they investigate the murder together and the punny jokes they make. I think they make for a fun duo and they work well together. I also though it felt believable how they got tied up in this murder investigation and I had a lot of fun reading this book. We meet some new side characters as well as some familiar ones. There are some new side characters that I think/ hope we'll see more of. There were some itnerestign twists/ development with the characters as well.

The romance also continues and at the end of this book I am not fully sure what to think of it. It felt like it turned into one big mess. At the end of the book 1 I saw potential in both love interests and thought they would both make a good match for Liz. At the end of this book I have completely changed my mind and I am hoping a third guy will pop up in book 3, because I just don't see things working out with these 2 in a way that would make me happy. Talk about a completely turn around. Although it was kinda different to see how things changed and developed here. I wasn't too happy with how Liz basically strings both men along at first and how she didn't take the time to really make a decisions, but sort of rolled into it, it felt very unsatisfying. So the romance in this book didn't quite work for me, but it was interesting to see things develop.

To summarize: Murder on the Toy Town express has a great setting and focus with the toy store, a fun daughter and dad duo trying to help solve the murder and a mystery that kept me guessing. I liked this second installment of the series and reading about this toy shop again. Liz and her father are fun to read about and I like reading about them. The mystery kept me guessing for a long time until I figured it out seconds before the main character did. The romance turned into a bit of a mess in this book and I hope another love interest will pop up in the next book, but it was kinda interesting seeing things develop, it sure wasn't what I had expected. I liked meeting some of the new side characters and hope to see of some of them in later books, as well as some already familiar side characters. There are some interesting changes and developments with the characters. This was a great sequel and I am looking forward to the next book!

This is book two in the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series. I did not read book 1 and had no problem enjoying this story. Liz loves running her dad's vintage toy shop that he opened when he retired as East Aurora, New York's police chief. When the comic store owner is murdered this father daughter duo get involved in the investigation. Lots of great info on vintage toys and comic book collecting. This is a well written cozy that is easy to read and fun to solve.

Title: Murder on the Toy Town Express: A Vintage Toyshop Mystery
Author: Barbara Early
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Cozy/Mystery

Liz McCall run’s her father’s vintage toy shop in East Aurora, NY, especially the old board game section. When the Train and Toy Show comes to town, she and her father are all set for the weekend. Along with every other toy and memorabilia shop in the area. She did not expect her childhood bully, Craig McFadden, to be there, less alone set up a booth right next to hers. When Craig falls to his death in the middle of the show, she jumps in and starts asking questions. Was it really an accident, or was it murder?

Everyone thought that Craig died in an accident while doing a promotion stunt. Her “friends” Ken, the police chief, and Jack, her high school sweetheart and his ex-con brother are not only involved but become suspects as well. When her father becomes enmeshed with the police investigation, Liz can’t wait to jump in and help. She soon realizes that her father may have been the actual target of the killer and not Craig. Can she unmask the killer before it’s too late?

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“Murder on the Toy Town Express” is the second book in Barbara Early’s, A Vintage Toyshop Mystery series. The story centers around Liz McCall and her former police officer father, Hank who owns a vintage toy shop. These two characters are wonderfully written and captivate the reader's imagination. Liz is a bit bossy and nosy; she didn’t inherit this trait from a stranger. Hank sticks his nose into police business at every chance. Keeping him “retired” isn’t easy. Liz, her brother, and her sister-in-law, Cathy are rarely successful at keeping him home and safe.

The love triangle aspect of the book is a bit tense. Liz can’t make up her mind if Ken and Jack are just friends or if they are something more. There are lots of twists and turns, and suspicions abound throughout the entire book. Relationship questions, family, and suspects, as well as the future, become paramount to the story. The questions that remain after the clues are collected will keep readers turning the page, and fill them with anticipation for the third installment.

Ms. Early has crafted a wonderfully exciting and impressive story. Murder on the Toy Town Express is well written, entertaining and filled with wonderful characters that are believable and likable with just enough human frailty to make them memorable. There are moments when the reader will laugh, be shocked, and become possessive of these characters.

This book and the series is happily recommended to readers of all types who enjoy their mystery with love and emotion mixed all together with crime and a location that is unusual and interesting. Readers of authors such as Vicki Delany or Leslie Meier will enjoy this book and this author.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley

Really enjoyed this book. Good mystery. Lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming. Loved that the characters were really fleshed out in this second book. Will be eagerly waiting for the next book!

It's a good thing I didn't write this review right after I finished Toy Town Express. I was livid with the ending and the whole love triangle issue. This is the third mystery I've read recently with the same situation. It would have gotten a one star review. Now that I'm cooled off, I'll go from didn't like to OK.

The mystery itself was interesting with the comic book element and the train/toy show though I figured out who did it right from the start, but not the exact motive. I would have enjoyed a bit more co-sleuthing moments with Liz and her dad. Her dad has a nice sized role, but more together would be better in terms of having a foil to play off of.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.