Murder on the Toy Town Express: A Vintage Toy Shop Mystery

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.