I love a unique cozy concept that you have to step back and say wow. That is this series. The cover is breathtaking, I love the reveal. I have several of these dolls around my house from my trip to Russia nearly 20 years ago. I found myself giving at them while reading. Highly recommend for those who want something unique.

Many thanks to both NetGalley and to Crooked Lane Books for letting me see an advance reader's copy of Death of a Russian Doll.

This is the third in a series of Vintage Toy Shop Mysteries by Barbara Early, but it was the first one I've read.

Saying that, I didn't feel as though I missed anything by not reading the other two, but I enjoyed this one so much I would like to start at the beginning.

It's a fun, cosy mystery featuring some well-developed characters. I like the toy shop setting and the small town mystery where, of course, everyone knows everyone.

There were a couple of instances where I knew what was going to happen, but I do think that the denouement was a bit pulled-from-a-hat, as though Early had written herself into a corner and forced herself out of it again.

I found the MC a bit silly, doing things alone that I wouldn't dream of doing, especially after there had been a recent murder in the town. I won't go into detail, because that'll be a bit of a spoiler.

I also thought that she was a bit old to still be living with her dad. Perhaps she needs to, though, if she goes around doing silly things...

However, if you enjoy cosy mysteries, then this is one of the better ones I've read in recently months.

Four stars.

A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

Death of a Russian Doll by Barbara Early is the third A Vintage Toy Shop Mystery. I recommend reading the series in order. Otherwise, you will be missing some of the background information on the main characters. Liz McCall becomes embroiled in another murder investigation when Ken Young, the local chief of police and her beau, is accused of murdering his Russian wife, Marya. Liz has been dating Ken for a while and this is the first she has heard about Ken being married. While Liz’s father is in charge of the investigation, Liz has no intention of sitting out the case despite the extra workload at the shop plus finding a sponsor for the doll project. I like the vintage toy shop owned by the McCall family called Well Played. I enjoy the inclusion of the toys carried in the shop (a nice variety that bring back memories). The mystery was complex but with a simple solution. I like how the whodunit is multifaceted. I would have preferred more active investigating by Liz and less romance. It seems that Liz has accumulated three romantic interests (I am not kidding). There was too much time devoted to romance and not enough to the mystery. Death of a Russian Doll was an entertaining cozy mystery with good characters, a charming setting, fun toys, family, food, humor, and an intriguing mystery. Death of a Russian Doll has damaged dolls, a stream of suitors, mystifying Matryoshka dolls, treasured toys, mysterious mate, and meddlesome family members.

Liz believes that her childhood fear of dolls would be the only hard thing she had to handle during her family’s toy story doll rehab workshop. That was until Marya walked through the door to help. Marya is the wife of the Chief of Police Ken Young. A wife that Ken never mentions during the time he and Liz were seeing one another. Although the had been separated from Marya they never divorced and she was back to work things out. When Marya’s body is found, Ken becomes a suspect. Did he really kill her?

This is the third book in the series but my first. This is a fun cozy mystery that drew me in from the first page. The characters are very relatable and complexed. There are plenty of suspects and the plot moves at a nice pace. The mystery is full of twists and turns and surprises. I definitely will be reading the previous two books in the series.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars

Received from NetGalley - #3 in the Vintage Toyshop series

Cute setting, breezy pace, acceptable murder with all the clues available and a protagonist with a little more life experience. All in all, an enjoyable read, but not distinctive enough that I'll pick up the series again.

Having not read any of the previous books in this series, there were times that I was quite confused as I always felt like I was missing information. I would recommend reading the first book before reading this one.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC through NetGalley. And thank you to Barbara Early who writed this nice book. I didn't know before I started read that this was 3rd book in the cozy Vintage Toyshop Mystery series, but this was nice one. So there was reasons that cases are owns with every books, so it made it easier to read, and it helps that there doesn't need read whole series before that. Well if you don't want to read other books before this.

Book was nice because there isn't more than one murder and no too graphic violence. Sometimes it is nice thing to read some which is more cozy than hardcore violence, if you know what I means. And I loved this book when there was elements for Russia. Maybe because my own roots coming from Russia, well half of my family roots. And the characters were interesting and the whole book remind some other books where the similar environment and where I got cozy feelings. So it was good book, I must say this.

Didn't like this book. Didn't care for the characters nor for the story.

The main character was pretty bland - this being the third book in a series, I felt that I was missing information all the time - there was no indication on how old the MC was, though her younger brother was married with a kid already, so my guess is in her early thirties. For a woman in her early thirties she is a bit of a wet blanket, who gets her hair cut by her father, to name just one annoying fact.

Even though I have copies of the first two books, this is the first book of the series that I've read, but I definitely hope to fix that over the next month or so. I quickly fell in love with the regular characters and I think Liz's dad Hank has to be my favorite. He's so...punny, lol. My dad always loved the kinds of jokes and puns that Hank was always spouting.

Liz had dated the police chief Ken Young for awhile and they thought their relationship was making progress when (assuming in the last book) his estranged wife from Russia who had been living in the south showed up. When she was found strangled in the barbershop next door to the toy shop, Ken became the main person of interest. Liz was still friends with Ken and didn't want to see him go to jail for something she knew in her heart he didn't do. Along with her dad and an FBI accountant named Mark (who is becoming a closer friend of Liz) Liz started investigating. Hopefully she could discover the truth before it was too late for Ken.

I loved the little side mystery of the Russian doll that seemed to keep moving. Cathy, Liz's sister-in-law, loved to tease her that it was haunted, since Liz is creeped out by dolls to begin with. The local characters like the two older ladies Irene and Lenora and the local PI Lionel were so funny at times. I loved the scene where Liz ended up at the library thinking it was a book club for seniors that she was investigating. I didn't guess the killer until it was time to realize it. I thought the mystery was awesomely plotted and moved along at a good pace. I could hardly put it down.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

DEATH OF A RUSSIAN DOLL by Barbara Early was released in October by Crooked Lane Books, a relatively new group specializing in publishing a variety of crime fiction. This story has a very appealing cover and setting: vintage toy shop in upstate New York. Proprietor Liz McCall is surprised to learn of her boyfriend's Russian wife and even more shocked when Marya turns up dead (strangled with a hair dryer cord). Liz and her Dad, a former police chief, set out once again to solve a small town mystery in this humorous and fast-paced offering that will keep readers guessing. 3.5 stars

I enjoyed this cozy mystery very much. The murder hits a little too close to home both in location and suspects. The characters are well written and the mystery is a good puzzle to figure out. Perfect for a read by the fire! I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Romance between Liz and the police chief Ken is over, when Ken's estranged wife comes to town. Liz works at her father's toy shop and her ex's wife works next door at the hair salon. Considering the circumstances, Liz didn't like Marya, but when she is found dead and her ex Ken is the prime suspect, she believes his innocence. Liz's father is asked to help to solve the case and Liz wants to help her father and Ken, so she she starts to looks into the case herself.

It's the third book in the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series, but the first I read. It works well as a standalone as there was enough background to all the characters. I liked the Vintage Toy Shop idea, the small village vibe. The characters and the mystery were very well  written. I didn't guess the killer until the end and I'll definitely continue with the series.

Death of a Russian Doll, by Barbara Early, is part of the Toy Shop Mysteries. Liz McCall is the owner of a toy shop and she wants to help her boyfriend, Chief of police, Ken Young who is accused of the murder of Marya. Mayra was found in the barber shop with a hair dryer cord wrapped around her neck. Mayra wasn’t a nice woman and there were others who may have wanted to see her dead. Liz is determined to help her boyfriend and her dolls are determined to help her figure out who the murderer is. This book is action packed with strong characters. I was surprised when I realized who the murderer was. This is the third book of the Toy Shop Mysteries. Thanks again to Net Galley for providing an advanced reader’s copy.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

So Liz McCalls’ and Ken Young’s romance hit the skids when his estranged wife Marya arrived in town. Liz has been dealing with the complete shock and the fact Ken lied to her. Then the Russian immigrant Marya starts working at the barbershop right next to Well Played and she even volunteers to help on a new project the shop has started repairing used dolls and sharing them with needy kids. Liz puts on a happy face and is on her best behavior during the meetings.

The Marya is found dead – in the barbershop – strangled with the cord from a hair dryer . . . and Police Chief Ken Young finds himself at the top of the suspect list. Removed from his position pending completion of the investigation Liz’s dad comes out of retirement to take his place. Liz did hear Ken and Marya arguing but she can’t see him killing her. There must be other suspects. Liz decides that she needs to find out more about the woman she didn’t even know existed until about a year ago. She needs to get this case wrapped up so her dad can get back to his retirement and the toy shop before the holidays.

Barbara Early has penned a captivating cozy in this 3rd installment of this delightful series.

I really like Liz. She is a smart protagonist that thinks things through before she leaps into action. She works so well with her dad and he values her input. She also gets some assistance from a certain FBI accountant that would really like to move their relationship out of the friend zone. All the characters are realistic and I love the dialogue.

The toy shop Liz manages for her dad, Well Played, is more than a place to buy the toys of yesteryear. It is a gathering place with its weekly game nights and now with the restore doll project. You get a real sense of community from the people who enter the shop, especially during the holiday season. East Aurora has a real small town feel.

Ken’s wife being a Russian immigrant brings a current hot topic into play and it is hard not to feel for the woman. It also brings Ken’s sisters to town and they are two formidable women with the brother’s best interests at heart but their overbearing nature is a bit much for even Ken. Liz finally gets them to open up and gets information to move the investigation along.

The story is full of twists and some real surprises. At one point I think I screamed out at the exact time Liz did. It takes an extraordinary author to have a reader get that deep into a story. The plot came together with another surprise, I was totally wrong in my pick of the killer. The story finishes with another little twist that leaves me very excited about the next book in this series.

Drama, humor, a touch of romance come together with great characters to make this an excellent read. A perfect escape as we head into the holiday season!

This was my first Vintage Toy Shop Mystery and it read well as a stand-alone. A nice cozy with no graphic details and only 1 death.

Likeable characters and lots of good memories of old games and toys made this an enjoyable cozy. Quick and easy to read. It was a pleasant break from heavier reads. There is a great relationship between Liz and her dad, and the men in Liz' life give her either problems or support often sending her life topsy turvy. Her sister, Cathy, is sweet, supportive, and a great personal stylist for Liz. Lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until almost the end.

I enjoyed this book enough that I will go back and read the first two in the series from this new-to-me author.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

My first book in this series and I quite liked it. The mystery is good, although I didn’t love the heroine. She’s got so many love interests going on it’s enough to make your head spin. I had the murderer pegged, but I did like the fact that there were consequences beyond just the culprit. I would read more in this series.

Death of a Russian Doll by Barbara Early is the third book in the cozy Vintage Toyshop Mystery series. Each book in the series has it’s own case to be solved within the book so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so however there is character building carried over from book to book.

Liz McCall’s father used to be the police chief in their small little town but after retirement he decided to purchase a collectable toy shop. After opening though he realized he needed help and recruited Liz to help run the shop which she never expected but has settled into quite nicely.

Liz had been dating the current chief of police Ken Young until his estranged wife Marya came to town whom Liz had no idea even existed. Now Marya is working next door to the toy shop in the beauty salon and Liz has to put on a smile and be welcoming. As much as Liz didn’t like having Marya around however she never wanted her to become a murder victim with herself and Ken as suspects.

The Vintage Toyshop Mystery series is one that I have followed from the beginning and always enjoy reading the next installment. With Liz having such a connection to the police department it gives the stories that much more believablity. With the small town vibe, likable characters and interesting mysteries this is one series I will continue to return to with each new book.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Fabulous. This was a quick, clean read. No graphic violence or over sexed scenes. Can be read as a standalone.

What I liked about this book was that Liz is cognizant of police procedures and didn’t knowingly put herself in danger. I was not constantly saying to myself “don’t do that” or “you’re an idiot.”

The characters are well developed. There is humor and I just kept turning the pages. I’m for team Mark, hope it works out.

I was surprised by the who did it. I was not surprised on the reasoning for Marya’s actions.

Can’t wait for the next one. This author is one of my top ten “must read.”

Liz McCall manages Well Played for her dad Hank, who is the retired police chief of East Aurora, a village located in Erie County and part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. Death of a Russian Doll is a jolly cozy, all ho-ho-ho with a Christmas backdrop. Certainly, Liz’s father “pulled out all the stops” to entice shoppers to Main Street.

Glittery snowflakes dangled from the ceiling. Ribbons and bows placed on toys and games throughout the store served as a not-so-subtle reminder that vintage toys also made great gifts. And our sound system had been extolling the virtues of walking in a Winter Wonderland even before our Thanksgiving turkey defrosted.

Barbara Early writes movingly about how hard it is to stay in business in a small town. Why buy used, albeit cool, vintage toys at Well Played when you can buy shiny, new things at the local box store? One notion is to make your store a destination for more than shopping. Liz’s sister-in-law, Cathy, has a great idea: she wants to refurbish donated dolls for a good cause. Cathy’s vision requires a village of helpers and creative types—in short, a Christmas committee.

She ticked off the items on her glittery turquoise-tipped fingernails.

“Coordinating with the nonprofits to make sure the repaired dolls get into the hands of the neediest children,” I added. “Working with the folks at the art center who’ll be repainting features. Getting the dimensions to the knitting and crocheting clubs.”

Unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished. Liz’s nerves are rattled because there’s “a Russian nesting doll, properly called a matryoshka,” that moves willy-nilly on the shelf. Then Marya, Liz’s ex-boyfriend’s once-estranged wife shows up. Marya is a talented hairdresser, her talents could be put to good use, but really? It doesn’t help that the Russian immigrant is model pretty.

What a night. Creepy dolls and Marya Young.

Dad put his hand on my arm and leaned to my ear. “Remember, it’s for the children.”

The cliché is that everyone knows everything in a small town. Liz’s former boyfriend is Police Chief Ken Young. When Marya attempts to throw shade on Liz, Liz’s pals remind Marya that until she came to town, no one knew the chief wasn’t “unencumbered.” Possession is 9/10ths of the law though, as Marya subtly reminds the room when she announces her “ride is here.”

I followed her gaze to the door, where Ken was standing just outside. He shrank back when multiple eyes turned to him. Lori was right when she said he hadn’t seemed himself.

It’s all very awkward. The next day Liz overhears Ken and Marya fighting at the barbershop next door where Marya rents a chair. Although she’s not “proud of it,” she looks for the “largest gap in the drywall” so she can hear better. Trouble in paradise? Later that day Ken searches for Marya so he can continue their conversation. He finds her at work, dead.

“Was she alive when you found her?” Dad asked.

“I … I don’t think so.” He swallowed hard, then drained the last of his coffee. “She was slumped in one of the styling chairs with her back to the door. The lights were on. The door was unlocked. I thought maybe she had passed out in the chair. Only when I rounded the corner, she had a hair dryer cord wrapped around her neck.”

In one fell swoop, Ken goes from Chief of Police to Chief Suspect. Liz’s dad is tapped by Mayor Briggs to come on as the interim chief of police. Hank says, “My daughter may kill me,” but he agrees to step up. The relationship between Hank and Liz makes a fascinating undercurrent to the murder investigation. Liz’s mother, now deceased, was an alcoholic and Liz’s childhood was filled with tension. Her relationship with her father, then and now, is a work in progress. Liz is desperate to help her dad figure out who killed Marya, not because she’s interested in Ken, not just because she has intuitive detective skills, but because she wants her dad back running the toy store.

Liz asks to look at a couple case files and Hank says, “Under no circumstances are you to touch them.” Ding ding, it’s the “Pottergate” solution. Back in the day, Liz’s “Mom had just finished up another rehab, this time a religious-based program,” so reading about “a boy wizard named Harry,” was not in the cards. Hank stepped up, said he would read Harry and make a judgement.

On my bed that night I found a brown paper bag containing the book, a pair of evidence gloves and two knitting needles. At first it was awkward turning pages with the limited dexterity of the gloves, but it didn’t take long to figure out that was what the knitting needles were for.

Passages like these add a depth and poignancy to Death of a Russian Doll that elevates it into a fugue on small-town life and complicated family relationships. Small towns in America are not exempt from troubles that plague more urban environments. Opioids and pill addiction, greed, and graft are at the core of Marya’s death. Liz McCall’s journey to the truth is a fascinating one. Kudos to an excellent Vintage Toyshop Mystery.