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Vintage Toyshop Mystery #1
Death of a Toy Soldier
Liz McCall grew up in a playful winter wonderland but it was never her dream to manage her father's vintage toyshop. However, after he sank his entire police pension into the business, someone needed to help him turn his dreams into reality—and keep him from sneaking off to patrol the not-so-mean streets of East Aurora, NY.
The mood goes from nice to naughty when a nervous man, who was trying to have his antique toys appraised, is found in the shop with a lawn dart through his chest. Suddenly, Liz's business plan is plunged into deep freeze, while she and her father find themselves toying with a cold-blooded killer who's playing for keeps.
Now, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for the neighborhood kids if Liz can't wrap up the case in Barbara Early's delightful debut Death of a Toy Soldier .
The mood goes from nice to naughty when a nervous man, who was trying to have his antique toys appraised, is found in the shop with a lawn dart through his chest. Suddenly, Liz's business plan is plunged into deep freeze, while she and her father find themselves toying with a cold-blooded killer who's playing for keeps.
Now, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled for the neighborhood kids if Liz can't wrap up the case in Barbara Early's delightful debut Death of a Toy Soldier .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2016
17 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Early
12 books256 followersBarbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation. Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a school teacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. After several years living elsewhere, she and her husband moved back to her native Western New York State, where she enjoys cooking, crafts, classic movies and campy seventies television, board games, and posting pictures of her four cats on Facebook. She writes the Vintage Toyshop series and the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries (as Beverly Allen).
barbaraearly.com
barbaraearly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
October 7, 2016
Liz McCall never pictured herself becoming the manager of her retired father's vintage toy shop but yet that is exactly where she finds herself. After her retired from the police force Liz's father invested in the store putting his entire pension into the business and now needs a bit of help.
When a nervous customer walks in with some really rare toys Liz wants her father to take a look at them to determine just what it is he wants to sell so he leaves his card for her. A few nights later though Liz finds the same mysterious man with a lawn dart through his chest and her father knocked out next to him. As a retired cop Liz's father can't help but try to figure out what happened to him when he fails to remember and of course Liz can't let him investigate alone.
Death of a Toy Soldier is a pretty good little cozy mystery with the underlying set up that I enjoy, someone in the story with investigation skills to actually help make the story a bit more believable. The things that stood out with this one is with page after page you just never knew what you would find next in the story.
Overall, with likable characters and setting and twists and turns and fun at every page this was a rather fun read that I certainly enjoyed.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When a nervous customer walks in with some really rare toys Liz wants her father to take a look at them to determine just what it is he wants to sell so he leaves his card for her. A few nights later though Liz finds the same mysterious man with a lawn dart through his chest and her father knocked out next to him. As a retired cop Liz's father can't help but try to figure out what happened to him when he fails to remember and of course Liz can't let him investigate alone.
Death of a Toy Soldier is a pretty good little cozy mystery with the underlying set up that I enjoy, someone in the story with investigation skills to actually help make the story a bit more believable. The things that stood out with this one is with page after page you just never knew what you would find next in the story.
Overall, with likable characters and setting and twists and turns and fun at every page this was a rather fun read that I certainly enjoyed.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
March 18, 2022
Book 1 I have read 2 and 3 and loved these series. This one is about a man that wanted to find out how much antique toys were that a old man named Sy had. So he took them to Well Played an antique toy shop that Henry ( a retired cop) and his daughter Liz owned. But the man gave Liz a card with a fake name. So he came back to the shop to talk to Henry at night. But something went wrong. The man lay dead and Henry was conked on the head. Henry had no clue what happened. The new chief Ken was on the case and thought it was suspicious that Liz dad did not know anything. They found out that the man name wad Sullivan and he was a home aide to people that were passing and he believed in Jesus. Liz and her father were trying to find out who would want a man like him dead. There are cool plots in this book. And I recommend the whole series.
December 28, 2018
I thoroughly had great fun with Barbara Early’s Death of a Toy Soldier( Vintage Toyshop #1). This cozy mystery revolves around a retired police chief, his grown daughter, and their passions of vintage toys, board games, and a bit of sleuthing on the side. Sounds great, doesn’t it? I certainly thought so. The setting is Christmas in the retired chief’s small hometown inWestern NY and his new vintage toyshop. His daughter, Liz, is working at the vintage toyshop whils keeping an eye on her dad as he love to sneak out and make ‘citizen arrests’ which is not sitting well with the new police chief. Along with selling vintage toys, the Toyshop has a games night when ‘vintage’ board games such as Monopoly, Risk, Scrabble, and possibly Clue are played. There is even a game called Mystery Date. (That one I do not know.) Reading about the board games truly brought a smile to my face as my brothers and I spent many hours playing board games. One night at the Toyshop a murder happens, and the ‘chief’ has blood on him, but who is the murder victim? Is the ‘chief’ the top suspect? Now the sleuthing begins. The characters are tops such as the two elderly sisters, but I will not say any more except all the characters are ones with whom the reader can identify! Highly recommended! 4.25 stars.
January 9, 2019
Great first book in series. Looking forward to the next.
December 27, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A vintage toy shop, a perfect place for a little Christmas shopping. Liz McCall manages the place for her dad, a retired police chief, who just can’t leave his old job behind. But when a man is found dead inside the store in the middle of the night and the former chief becomes the prime suspect things are far from merry. With the store a crime scene Liz and her father need to find the real killer fast or this Christmas may be their last.
Liz McCall and my own daughter have something in common. They are both Elizabeth/Betsy/Liz. We named her after my mom and my Dad was the only one that called my mom Betsy so it was my dream for my daughter to have that nickname. It stuck until 4th grade when her homeroom teacher started calling her Liz. She will always be Betsy to family but out in the world she is Liz or Lizzie. Same with Liz in this story. She will always be Betsy to her dad.
Barbara Early really impressed me with this story. All the characters are cleverly crafted. A strong protagonist and equally strong supporting characters. I felt they were very fleshed out for the first book in a series but still have plenty of room to grow.
Setting the story in a vintage toy shop is brilliant. So many things will resonate with readers of all ages. I love that the shop was a gathering place for community game nights. Clue, Monopoly, Risk, and more, complete with old time candy. I wish the place was nearby because I would visit often.
The mystery was also so well written. Readers are drawn into the story and will find it very hard to put down. I tried to read it all in one sitting but my eyes just would not cooperate. I quickly finished it the next day. There were quite a few twists in this story and I was right there with Liz the entire way right up to the surprising ending.
A very enjoyable and entertaining read, perfect for the holiday season!
A vintage toy shop, a perfect place for a little Christmas shopping. Liz McCall manages the place for her dad, a retired police chief, who just can’t leave his old job behind. But when a man is found dead inside the store in the middle of the night and the former chief becomes the prime suspect things are far from merry. With the store a crime scene Liz and her father need to find the real killer fast or this Christmas may be their last.
Liz McCall and my own daughter have something in common. They are both Elizabeth/Betsy/Liz. We named her after my mom and my Dad was the only one that called my mom Betsy so it was my dream for my daughter to have that nickname. It stuck until 4th grade when her homeroom teacher started calling her Liz. She will always be Betsy to family but out in the world she is Liz or Lizzie. Same with Liz in this story. She will always be Betsy to her dad.
Barbara Early really impressed me with this story. All the characters are cleverly crafted. A strong protagonist and equally strong supporting characters. I felt they were very fleshed out for the first book in a series but still have plenty of room to grow.
Setting the story in a vintage toy shop is brilliant. So many things will resonate with readers of all ages. I love that the shop was a gathering place for community game nights. Clue, Monopoly, Risk, and more, complete with old time candy. I wish the place was nearby because I would visit often.
The mystery was also so well written. Readers are drawn into the story and will find it very hard to put down. I tried to read it all in one sitting but my eyes just would not cooperate. I quickly finished it the next day. There were quite a few twists in this story and I was right there with Liz the entire way right up to the surprising ending.
A very enjoyable and entertaining read, perfect for the holiday season!
October 17, 2016
I’m not Sorry to hear that in the Life of cozy mysteries, author Barbara Early is beginning to build a Monopoly. Her Risk sure did payoff with this first book in the Vintage Toyshop Mysteries!
I have been looking forward to DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER for such a long time. Not only is it written by one of my favorite authors, Barbara Early/Beverly Allen, the brilliance of a mystery series built around a vintage toyshop is such a fun idea, and can really lend itself to so many murders, motives, and mayhems. And the possibility of weapons . . . endless!
Once I started reading DEATH OF A TOY SOLIDER, I couldn’t stop. I was so captivated by this book that I read it in one sitting. I simply couldn’t put it down! The wonderful characters and settings, the superb writing, that special something that only Barbara Early can bring to a story. And the toys! So. Many. Toys! Some of the toys and games I remember so fondly. Others, I have heard my older siblings talk about. And so many others that I have never heard of!
But what’s a cozy mystery without mystery and murder? No worries! While delighting me with past childhood treasures, Ms. Early also thrilled me with a mysterious story of murder that had me searching for a motive and guessing throughout the entire book. With more ups and downs and twists and turns than Chutes and Ladders, by the time of the surprising reveal, my head was spinning like a top!
So much better than having Park Place and Boardwalk with hotels on both, I can’t say enough good things about this book! I could honestly go on and on. But one more thing must be said, DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER has a solid place in my top three cozies mysteries of 2016!
I have been looking forward to DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER for such a long time. Not only is it written by one of my favorite authors, Barbara Early/Beverly Allen, the brilliance of a mystery series built around a vintage toyshop is such a fun idea, and can really lend itself to so many murders, motives, and mayhems. And the possibility of weapons . . . endless!
Once I started reading DEATH OF A TOY SOLIDER, I couldn’t stop. I was so captivated by this book that I read it in one sitting. I simply couldn’t put it down! The wonderful characters and settings, the superb writing, that special something that only Barbara Early can bring to a story. And the toys! So. Many. Toys! Some of the toys and games I remember so fondly. Others, I have heard my older siblings talk about. And so many others that I have never heard of!
But what’s a cozy mystery without mystery and murder? No worries! While delighting me with past childhood treasures, Ms. Early also thrilled me with a mysterious story of murder that had me searching for a motive and guessing throughout the entire book. With more ups and downs and twists and turns than Chutes and Ladders, by the time of the surprising reveal, my head was spinning like a top!
So much better than having Park Place and Boardwalk with hotels on both, I can’t say enough good things about this book! I could honestly go on and on. But one more thing must be said, DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER has a solid place in my top three cozies mysteries of 2016!
November 22, 2017
I finished Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early at 9:30 pm last night. I have my friend Doward to thank for the wonderful gift of this book through our Halloween Book Exchange, he kindly ordered it for me and I delighted in devouring it. The cover I would like to start with first and tell you it is one of my favorites for its simplicity and perfectly cozy and yet mysterious look. Its whimsical and fun and still spooky, quite like the book. I do love it when the book cover works so well with the story. Then there is the story, and it is a good one. I love the relationship and complicated history of a Police Chief who has had to retire after being injured in the line of duty, and he opens a store filled with vintage toys. I myself am a huge fan of dolls and toys vintage or just well loved and I have been known to rescue dolls, ponies and so much more from yard sales, and thrift stores alike, only in my world the My Little Ponies I loved don't seem to multiply as they do in this series (okay that line is from book two which I read earlier this year and loved!) There are some great lines in this book. I laughed out loud more than once and I did not want to put the book down. I was thinking about it when I was not reading it and anxious to get back to it, more to learn about Liz and her Dad, and just more about the store as well. The mysteries I also enjoyed and yet had not figured out before the reveal. As much as I wanted to find out who did it, I was enjoying the book so much that I did not want to know, because then it would end. But when I got to that part I was thrilled the book had a few more chapters to go and I finished the book feeling like I had been part of the community and maybe even a minor staff member at the store.
This was a great read and I am so thankful to Doward for ordering this one for me. Put this on your holiday to be read list for sure!
This was a great read and I am so thankful to Doward for ordering this one for me. Put this on your holiday to be read list for sure!
October 18, 2016
Liz McCall's dad, Hank, has always loved toys. After retiring as a police officer he opens Well Played, an antique toy shop. Let the fun begin! Author Barbara Early quickly spins readers into a yarn that takes many of us down memory lane as our childhood toys take center stage in this cleverly plotted story. Who would kill for an old toy? You may be surprised to find out that it's not all child's play between the pages of this tantalizing cozy mystery.
October 10, 2016
Liz McCall is helping her father run Well Played, a vintage toy shop. One day, a man walks in with a box of toys he wants appraised. However, a couple of days later, the man is dead in their shop, killed by a lawn dart, and the box of toys is missing. Liz’s father is a retired police man, and he begins to investigate the case unofficially with Liz helping him. Will they be able to figure out what happened?
Toys and nostalgia as a setting for a new cozy series? Sign me up! And I was as delighted with his debut as I thought I would be. The mystery is strong with some nice red herrings before we reach an ending that wraps everything up. The characters are strong and so much fun. If the store were real, I’d love to hang out for vintage board game night, but as it is, I’ll gladly return for the sequel.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Toys and nostalgia as a setting for a new cozy series? Sign me up! And I was as delighted with his debut as I thought I would be. The mystery is strong with some nice red herrings before we reach an ending that wraps everything up. The characters are strong and so much fun. If the store were real, I’d love to hang out for vintage board game night, but as it is, I’ll gladly return for the sequel.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 15, 2016
I've been eagerly awaiting the release of this book and it was well worth the wait.. There have already been reviews about the plot on Amazon and Goodreads so I won't be redundant. If you're looking for a well-written cozy by a really professional writer, this book is for you! Combine that with her love of childhood games like Clue, Sorry and Monopoly and her hometown in a small town just south of Buffalo and you have hit the Jackpot. I've read several books over the past six months or so that clearly could have used better proofreading and editing. This is not one of those books. The characters are well-developed and not one-dimensional, paving the way for future books in the series. The mystery itself presents many plot twists and a murder with multiple suspects and motives. I love the strong father-daughter bond between Liz and Hank. Will a romance develop between Liz and the new and attractive police chief or will her past catch up with her? I am excited to read the next book in the series. You'll get a triple word score for reading this enjoyable cozy..
May 7, 2018
Liz McCall's father used to be the Chief of Police for Aurora and East Aurora, NY, but all that came to an end when he was shot in the line of duty. Liz had come back to look after him but also ended up helping out at the vintage toyshop he decided to buy with his disability payment and police pension! Everything is ticking along nicely (apart from the fact that every so often the ex-Chief heads off to fight crime again - luckily the new Chief of Police is reasonably understanding), until someone comes in with some vintage tin toys to get valued, and then a few days later his is found dead in the toy shop, with a lawn dart in his chest and Hank McCall has concussion and memory loss, but seeing as they were the only two in the shop at the time it seems as though Hank could be suspect #1. Liz knows her father couldn't have done this so she starts digging, revisiting an old boyfriend along the way and getting in touch with the Paranormal - who says life should be boring?
December 28, 2020
Nice start to the series. I really liked the toy shop setting, it was a lot of fun! The characters were like able and the mystery entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series. #readforkimberly
September 27, 2017
I usually pick my mysteries based on the setting and this seemed like an interesting setting, if I couldn't work around books I'd want to work around toys or tech so I expected to enjoy this book and I did. The heroine Liz was nice, after her father retired she gave up her life to come home to help with the family business. A lot of mysteries are kind of unbelievable because an amateur detective winds up solving a case, what does a toy store owner know about solving a crime, quite a lot in this case as Liz's father was chief of police before retiring. That lends quite a bit credibility to the mystery. I'm looking forward to the 2nd book which is due out in a few weeks.
December 22, 2018
Delightful read!
Loved this super fun, charming mystery with an engaging protagonist and great plot. So much fun! A perfect cozy read.
Loved this super fun, charming mystery with an engaging protagonist and great plot. So much fun! A perfect cozy read.
December 20, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it
I really enjoyed this book! It was a such a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Death of a Toy Soldier follows Elizabeth, her dad and friends while they get dragged into a murder investigation after someone got murdered in their shop. I loved how it featured a vintage toy shop where the main character worked. There are references to toys, products they sell, game evenings and the like and I had such a vivid image of how the shop looked in my head that it almost felt like it really exists. I think the shop mad for a fun setting. The story takes place in winter and around Christmas which was fun as I read it during that time too. This book has a great mystery, fun characters and is well written. It caught my attention from the first page and kept it until the end. Book 2 can't get here fast enough in my opinion!
The mystery in this one was so well done. I like how natural it felt that Liz and her father ended up helping with the investigation, in some cozies this might feel a bit off, but here it felt realistic. The mystery itself also was a very good one, with lots of red herrings and we get to meet a bunch of fun characters and learn more about them and the town along the way. I was definitely surprised when Liz put the last clue together and we found out who the murderer was, but it did make sense. Even though without that last clue it would've been hard to find out who did it. I like the direction the mystery took and how at the end we got a few chapters to nicely wrap things up. It was a very engaging read!
Liz is a fun main character to read about. She runs a vintage toy shop with her father and just like him she has a knack for puzzles and it turns out also for investigating. I liked reading about her and I thought she handled the situations well. I liked reading along with how she was trying to work out the mystery. You could really follow along with her thought process well, which is something I like in a mystery. It felt like I could understand all her actions very well thanks to that. I also liked her father, he used a lot of puns in his speak and half the jokes were so lame, but funny too. He was the police chief until he was forced to retire, but can't fully shake his old habits and he and Liz do a big part of the investigation together.
Besides that there are enough side characters to fill up the town and they all have their own quirks and personality. I liked the two sisters who lived in the house next to Sy. The current police chief Ken and a chef Jack seem potential love interest for Liz and they both seemed a good match for her. Every side character they meet has a bit of personality and I had no trouble remembering who was who.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this well written cozy mystery and am already looking forward to book 2! The setting and focus on the vintage toy shop added a fun touch to the book. The mystery was very done and I liked how we could easily follow along with Liz her suspicions and thought process. Who the murderer was came as a surprise to me, but it did make sense. There are some good red herrings and a lot of other information that gets uncovered along the way. This book kept my attention from start to finish. And it was a fun book to read this time of the year as it took place around winter and Christmas. The characters all come alive and have their own quirks and personality. I can't wait to return to this town in book 2! I would recommend this to everyone who loves a good cozy mystery!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a such a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Death of a Toy Soldier follows Elizabeth, her dad and friends while they get dragged into a murder investigation after someone got murdered in their shop. I loved how it featured a vintage toy shop where the main character worked. There are references to toys, products they sell, game evenings and the like and I had such a vivid image of how the shop looked in my head that it almost felt like it really exists. I think the shop mad for a fun setting. The story takes place in winter and around Christmas which was fun as I read it during that time too. This book has a great mystery, fun characters and is well written. It caught my attention from the first page and kept it until the end. Book 2 can't get here fast enough in my opinion!
The mystery in this one was so well done. I like how natural it felt that Liz and her father ended up helping with the investigation, in some cozies this might feel a bit off, but here it felt realistic. The mystery itself also was a very good one, with lots of red herrings and we get to meet a bunch of fun characters and learn more about them and the town along the way. I was definitely surprised when Liz put the last clue together and we found out who the murderer was, but it did make sense. Even though without that last clue it would've been hard to find out who did it. I like the direction the mystery took and how at the end we got a few chapters to nicely wrap things up. It was a very engaging read!
Liz is a fun main character to read about. She runs a vintage toy shop with her father and just like him she has a knack for puzzles and it turns out also for investigating. I liked reading about her and I thought she handled the situations well. I liked reading along with how she was trying to work out the mystery. You could really follow along with her thought process well, which is something I like in a mystery. It felt like I could understand all her actions very well thanks to that. I also liked her father, he used a lot of puns in his speak and half the jokes were so lame, but funny too. He was the police chief until he was forced to retire, but can't fully shake his old habits and he and Liz do a big part of the investigation together.
Besides that there are enough side characters to fill up the town and they all have their own quirks and personality. I liked the two sisters who lived in the house next to Sy. The current police chief Ken and a chef Jack seem potential love interest for Liz and they both seemed a good match for her. Every side character they meet has a bit of personality and I had no trouble remembering who was who.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this well written cozy mystery and am already looking forward to book 2! The setting and focus on the vintage toy shop added a fun touch to the book. The mystery was very done and I liked how we could easily follow along with Liz her suspicions and thought process. Who the murderer was came as a surprise to me, but it did make sense. There are some good red herrings and a lot of other information that gets uncovered along the way. This book kept my attention from start to finish. And it was a fun book to read this time of the year as it took place around winter and Christmas. The characters all come alive and have their own quirks and personality. I can't wait to return to this town in book 2! I would recommend this to everyone who loves a good cozy mystery!
March 13, 2017
I sincerely hope this is the first in a series, because when I finished the book, I certainly wasn't ready to be finished with the toy shop or the characters! Ms Early has made vintage toys and mystery into an unbeatable combination. Her characters are solid and the small attention to details make them seem as though you may have met them in "real" life. Our main character, Elizabeth McCall, a.k.a. Liz or even Betsy McCall*, lives with her father over the toy shop. Dad is Hank McCall, beloved retired police chief who survived the shot that forced his retirement. Liz has a brother, Parker, who's wife Cathy also works at the toy shop. I love the way the author has made each of these seem to be someone I know...bubbly Cathy who cooks mystery casseroles, Parker who is there for Liz but can't resist brotherly comments, as well as Liz herself-hardworking, concerned, cautious, and an avid game player. There are a couple of eligible bachelors, some young punks, the geriatric set, and plenty of customers to keep the action flowing.
This is a murder mystery, and the grizzly death occurs in the toy store. Hank is involved, but due to being clobbered on his head at the time of the murder, he suffers memory loss from a concussion. Forced out of their home and shop while police process the crime scene, Hank and Liz join forces and investigate the murder. It is helpful to have the former police chief for a father in this case-he certainly knows how to investigate. Instead of a bumbling investigation found in so many cozy mysteries, it is well planned and executed. Fortunately the new police chief is tolerant and appreciative when answers are dumped in his lap by the McCall team.
As the daughter of antique toy dealers, I was especially interested in this book. It did not disappoint in any way. Antique toys described correctly, vague evaluations made were certainly in the ballpark, and conditions as well as desirability factors were accurate. It was a fun book from start to surprising finish. I was fortunate to be given a copy of this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good murder mystery...and especially if they like vintage toys!
*Liz hates the name Betsy because of those paper dolls of the 1960's featured in McCall's magazine of Betsy McCall. I have to say I remember those, and own an original Betsy McCall cookie cutter as well!
This is a murder mystery, and the grizzly death occurs in the toy store. Hank is involved, but due to being clobbered on his head at the time of the murder, he suffers memory loss from a concussion. Forced out of their home and shop while police process the crime scene, Hank and Liz join forces and investigate the murder. It is helpful to have the former police chief for a father in this case-he certainly knows how to investigate. Instead of a bumbling investigation found in so many cozy mysteries, it is well planned and executed. Fortunately the new police chief is tolerant and appreciative when answers are dumped in his lap by the McCall team.
As the daughter of antique toy dealers, I was especially interested in this book. It did not disappoint in any way. Antique toys described correctly, vague evaluations made were certainly in the ballpark, and conditions as well as desirability factors were accurate. It was a fun book from start to surprising finish. I was fortunate to be given a copy of this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good murder mystery...and especially if they like vintage toys!
*Liz hates the name Betsy because of those paper dolls of the 1960's featured in McCall's magazine of Betsy McCall. I have to say I remember those, and own an original Betsy McCall cookie cutter as well!
November 30, 2016
He will be okay!
This book was a great Christmas read! I have had it on my TBR shelf for some time. I have been saving it for Christmas time and it worked out just fine. I started to wrap my many presents for my Grandchildren on Saturday and I fell. I hurt my knee, the same knee on the same leg as the broken hip from last time I fell! I have been hobbling around for months since my hip has not healed properly, from the original break, so I guess I will be sitting for awhile this Christmas also.
The story started out with Liz working at the toy shop that is owned by her father and worked by herself, her sister-in-law, Cathy, and at times her brother, Parker.
A man comes in with a large box of old toys that he would like hank, Liz's father to look at and give him a quote on how much they would be worth. Since Hank is not there at the time Liz talks the guy into leaving the box of toys with her and to come back when she knows Hank will be there.
In the meantime Hank comes home with a large toy soldier and inflates it and puts it near the front door to greet customers as they enter the store when doing their Christmas shopping.
This book was a great Christmas read! I have had it on my TBR shelf for some time. I have been saving it for Christmas time and it worked out just fine. I started to wrap my many presents for my Grandchildren on Saturday and I fell. I hurt my knee, the same knee on the same leg as the broken hip from last time I fell! I have been hobbling around for months since my hip has not healed properly, from the original break, so I guess I will be sitting for awhile this Christmas also.
The story started out with Liz working at the toy shop that is owned by her father and worked by herself, her sister-in-law, Cathy, and at times her brother, Parker.
A man comes in with a large box of old toys that he would like hank, Liz's father to look at and give him a quote on how much they would be worth. Since Hank is not there at the time Liz talks the guy into leaving the box of toys with her and to come back when she knows Hank will be there.
In the meantime Hank comes home with a large toy soldier and inflates it and puts it near the front door to greet customers as they enter the store when doing their Christmas shopping.
July 17, 2016
This is my short version..longer one in about a week!
The story did not stop the entire time. I was expecting a lull where I would lose interest and then have to force myself back into it because honestly, kids interrupt me while I am reading. There was never a problem picking up where I left off because the characters weren’t flat. I felt like I knew Liz, Hank, Cathy, Jack, Peggy and those adorable sisters, Irene and Lenora. I was able to jump right back in and the story just kept developing in new dimensions. Right when I thought I was going one way, Barbara took me somewhere else. I loved it! The killer threw me for a loop however. I had two people that I just knew did it. I kept thinking, “Oh Barbara, you made this too easy. You tried to throw me off, but I caught you.” Nope, I was so wrong. I didn’t see that one coming at all.
Full review NEXT WEEK!!!!
The story did not stop the entire time. I was expecting a lull where I would lose interest and then have to force myself back into it because honestly, kids interrupt me while I am reading. There was never a problem picking up where I left off because the characters weren’t flat. I felt like I knew Liz, Hank, Cathy, Jack, Peggy and those adorable sisters, Irene and Lenora. I was able to jump right back in and the story just kept developing in new dimensions. Right when I thought I was going one way, Barbara took me somewhere else. I loved it! The killer threw me for a loop however. I had two people that I just knew did it. I kept thinking, “Oh Barbara, you made this too easy. You tried to throw me off, but I caught you.” Nope, I was so wrong. I didn’t see that one coming at all.
Full review NEXT WEEK!!!!
January 12, 2018
Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early
Ok, first of all, I have an ulterior motive for picking up this book. You see, I know the setting very, very well. East Aurora, a small town outside of Buffalo, NY, is home to landmarks like Vidlers, The Roycroft, and of course, Fisher-Price and all of its toys. So when I saw that Death of a Toy Soldier was set in that tiny speck on the map that few people outside of Western NY know about, I had to read it. The book was full of recognizable places and captured the flavor of the town so well that it made me feel like I was transported back to the bricked lined Main Street with its wide sidewalks and cute little shops.
The plot surrounds a man who brings a box of old toys to be appraised at the vintage toy shop owned by Liz McCall and her retired police chief father Hank. When the man and is later found dead in the middle of the night, murdered with a lawn dart and Hank falls under suspicion, there's no choice for Liz and her father to investigate, turning up family squabbles, a possible haunting and some mischievous fun. Lots of red herrings and false clues made this an enjoyable and puzzling plot and I loved the charming characters that truly embodied the warm community atmosphere of the town. The surprise twist and exciting ending capped it all off and left me eager to read more.
An excellent debut mystery set in a place close to my heart and I definitely recommend it for cozy mystery fans looking for a fun and enjoyable read.
July 12, 2018
A vintage toy store run by the retired police chief and his daughter is the locale for the murder of a man who dropped off a box of tin toys for appraisal. This series has obvious potential. Rounding up from 3.5 stars.
December 21, 2019
Living in small town East Aurora with her father, Liz is partners in an old time toy store. The store features original toys from long ago for resale. When a man comes in to have her father look at a box of very old toys and meets with an accident in the store, Liz must find out who did this deed.
I found the characters pretty good but feel that I probably will give this a lower rating that I would normally because I used to live in the city of EA. While certain things were mentioned, I thought other should have been to really bring out the beauty of the town and the quaintness. The town didn't come alive for me like I thought it would have. A good story and well written but just a little flat.
I found the characters pretty good but feel that I probably will give this a lower rating that I would normally because I used to live in the city of EA. While certain things were mentioned, I thought other should have been to really bring out the beauty of the town and the quaintness. The town didn't come alive for me like I thought it would have. A good story and well written but just a little flat.
September 22, 2020
Good for the first book in a series although I felt like characters were added and not really introduced (it took me a while to realize that Cathy was her sister-in-law and not just an employee at the store). I loved the decades-long pranks between the neighbors.
October 6, 2017
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August 17, 2018
I loved this book. Fun Vintage toys, a father with an army of puns and a terrific mystery for the Christmas season. Three cheers to Barbara Early
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November 30, 2018Miniseries: A Vintage Toyshop Mystery
May 29, 2019
A good first read and a new mystery series to jump into!
October 4, 2016
Liz McCall is gearing up for the holidays, working in the toy shop her father owns, Well Played. Her father Hank is the ex-chief of police of East Aurora, New York; having had to retire due to a near-fatal gunshot wound. This, however, hasn't kept him from his habit of occasionally sneaking out to maintain law and order in their small town. So much so, that the new current chief of police, Ken Young, has deputized him.
One evening a nervous stranger arrives bearing an old cardboard box of vintage toys, asking if he can get an appraisal. When it's discovered Hank has sneaked out once again, Liz convinces the man to leave the toys for her father, who can assess their true worth.
Several nights later Liz is awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of a crash coming from the store, which is below the apartment she and her father reside in. When she goes to investigate she finds her father, disoriented and stumbling, with blood on his head and discovers a gruesome sight: the dead body of the man who had brought the toys to them earlier - stabbed with one of their own lawn darts. To make matters worse, the box of toys seem to have disappeared from the store.
But identifying the man isn't going to be easy, since he was found with no identification and other problems arise that make it difficult. Questions abound, including the fact that it appears her father didn't even know the man, and not the least withstanding of why her father was meeting with him in the late evening hours. Knowing her father's innocence, even if Chief Young may think he's suspect, Liz is determined to prove this fact by whatever means possible.
When they are finally able to identify the man they also find his employer, the the true owner of the missing toys - yet he, too, is recently deceased, and this only complicates things - because now her ex-boyfriend, Jack Wallace becomes involved, since the second dead man was his uncle and it leads to even more questions. Why did the man killed in their shop have the toys in the first place?
She gets help from her father, of course, but also from a pair of elderly sisters who live next door to the deceased and who might know more than they've let on; a newcomer who turns out to be a ghost hunter; and her ex-boyfriend who might just still be interested in Liz - or could just be interested in the fact of finding the killer before his own mother becomes a suspect...
What a delightful introduction to a new series. Liz McCall is a level-headed, thirty-something woman who moved in with her father to care for him after his accident and stayed on to manage the toy shop her father owns. She's joined by her sister-in-law Cathy, who writes bad poetry and can't cook, but has a good heart and only wants the best for Liz; and I found the scene where Liz and her father are discreetly trying to 'dispose' of Cathy's experiments in the kitchen quite humorous.
We are also given some of Liz' and her brother Parker's background: growing up with a police officer father, who was absent at times, and an alcoholic mother, which explains why Liz is so protective of her dad. Then there is Jack, her ex-boyfriend who seems to want to be a part of her life again, and Chief Young, who also appears to be intrigued by Liz. It will be interesting to see where this takes the story line in future books. (It must run in the family because her father is no slouch in this area, either).
The plot was different and quite involved: a dead man who wasn't who he said he was, a box of missing toys, greedy relatives, ghost hunters, and no lack of suspects with possible motives. It gives a whole new meaning to the idea of people fighting over toys, and this time someone comes to a deadly end.
When we finally discover the identity of the killer, it comes as a bit of a surprise, but that's what a mystery is supposed to be all about. The ending is gratifying and it makes sense, leaving no unanswered questions. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next. Highly recommended.
One evening a nervous stranger arrives bearing an old cardboard box of vintage toys, asking if he can get an appraisal. When it's discovered Hank has sneaked out once again, Liz convinces the man to leave the toys for her father, who can assess their true worth.
Several nights later Liz is awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of a crash coming from the store, which is below the apartment she and her father reside in. When she goes to investigate she finds her father, disoriented and stumbling, with blood on his head and discovers a gruesome sight: the dead body of the man who had brought the toys to them earlier - stabbed with one of their own lawn darts. To make matters worse, the box of toys seem to have disappeared from the store.
But identifying the man isn't going to be easy, since he was found with no identification and other problems arise that make it difficult. Questions abound, including the fact that it appears her father didn't even know the man, and not the least withstanding of why her father was meeting with him in the late evening hours. Knowing her father's innocence, even if Chief Young may think he's suspect, Liz is determined to prove this fact by whatever means possible.
When they are finally able to identify the man they also find his employer, the the true owner of the missing toys - yet he, too, is recently deceased, and this only complicates things - because now her ex-boyfriend, Jack Wallace becomes involved, since the second dead man was his uncle and it leads to even more questions. Why did the man killed in their shop have the toys in the first place?
She gets help from her father, of course, but also from a pair of elderly sisters who live next door to the deceased and who might know more than they've let on; a newcomer who turns out to be a ghost hunter; and her ex-boyfriend who might just still be interested in Liz - or could just be interested in the fact of finding the killer before his own mother becomes a suspect...
What a delightful introduction to a new series. Liz McCall is a level-headed, thirty-something woman who moved in with her father to care for him after his accident and stayed on to manage the toy shop her father owns. She's joined by her sister-in-law Cathy, who writes bad poetry and can't cook, but has a good heart and only wants the best for Liz; and I found the scene where Liz and her father are discreetly trying to 'dispose' of Cathy's experiments in the kitchen quite humorous.
We are also given some of Liz' and her brother Parker's background: growing up with a police officer father, who was absent at times, and an alcoholic mother, which explains why Liz is so protective of her dad. Then there is Jack, her ex-boyfriend who seems to want to be a part of her life again, and Chief Young, who also appears to be intrigued by Liz. It will be interesting to see where this takes the story line in future books. (It must run in the family because her father is no slouch in this area, either).
The plot was different and quite involved: a dead man who wasn't who he said he was, a box of missing toys, greedy relatives, ghost hunters, and no lack of suspects with possible motives. It gives a whole new meaning to the idea of people fighting over toys, and this time someone comes to a deadly end.
When we finally discover the identity of the killer, it comes as a bit of a surprise, but that's what a mystery is supposed to be all about. The ending is gratifying and it makes sense, leaving no unanswered questions. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2016
DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER by Barbara Early
The First Vintage Toyshop Mystery
Liz McCall's life has drastically changed after her father is shot in the line of duty. Although Hank has physically recovered, he sometimes fails to remember that he was forced to retire as Chief of Police and will periodically patrol their small town instead of minding his vintage toyshop. Faced with a forgetful father, Liz has moved back to Western New York permanently to live with her dad and help make a go of the shop; the shop that was Hank's dream as well as the recipient of his pension. When a stranger leaves a box of antique windup toys, Liz sees a big profit, but when that same stranger shows up dead in the shop, her father standing over the body with no memory of what happened, profits are the last thing on her mind!
With a snowy small town setting Early perfectly captures a glimpse of Western New York. I enjoy reading books set in locations with which I'm familiar and East Aurora is right in my back yard. Ordering wings, drinking pop, the Bison Dip container, sponge candy, these are just some of the little touches that add authenticity and give the reader a true sense of place.
In this first book of the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series Early introduces us to some unique characters. While quirky, they are realistic and believable. Each has a purpose in the story, whether it's moving the plot, adding red herrings, or creating a certain atmosphere.
Set in the present time there's still a sense of nostalgia. Perhaps it's the feeling of coming home; old fashioned candies, toys from our childhood and the childhood of our parents and grandparents, a close knit family that cares and people who still take time to play board games.
In DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER Barbara Early provides a great start to new series. A well crafted mystery resides in a wonderful setting with relatable characters. It's a smart fun read and I can't wait for more!
The First Vintage Toyshop Mystery
Liz McCall's life has drastically changed after her father is shot in the line of duty. Although Hank has physically recovered, he sometimes fails to remember that he was forced to retire as Chief of Police and will periodically patrol their small town instead of minding his vintage toyshop. Faced with a forgetful father, Liz has moved back to Western New York permanently to live with her dad and help make a go of the shop; the shop that was Hank's dream as well as the recipient of his pension. When a stranger leaves a box of antique windup toys, Liz sees a big profit, but when that same stranger shows up dead in the shop, her father standing over the body with no memory of what happened, profits are the last thing on her mind!
With a snowy small town setting Early perfectly captures a glimpse of Western New York. I enjoy reading books set in locations with which I'm familiar and East Aurora is right in my back yard. Ordering wings, drinking pop, the Bison Dip container, sponge candy, these are just some of the little touches that add authenticity and give the reader a true sense of place.
In this first book of the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series Early introduces us to some unique characters. While quirky, they are realistic and believable. Each has a purpose in the story, whether it's moving the plot, adding red herrings, or creating a certain atmosphere.
Set in the present time there's still a sense of nostalgia. Perhaps it's the feeling of coming home; old fashioned candies, toys from our childhood and the childhood of our parents and grandparents, a close knit family that cares and people who still take time to play board games.
In DEATH OF A TOY SOLDIER Barbara Early provides a great start to new series. A well crafted mystery resides in a wonderful setting with relatable characters. It's a smart fun read and I can't wait for more!
August 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! This is a great start to a new series! Liz works with her Dad in his vintage toy shop that he opened after he retired from the police department! Things are going great business is brisk and game night is definitely a winner! When a man comes to the shop with a box full of vintage toys asking for her father Liz assumes he asked him to come in. She grabs his card and puts the toys aside for her father to appraise. When the same man winds up dead in the store with a lawn dart in his chest and her father laying nearby Liz doesn't know what to think. One thing is for sure once a cop always a cop and her dad is set on investigating this case. Liz knows she has to join him or he will wind up in deep trouble! The card she has doesn't help and when a local recluse winds up being found dead they are sure both cases must be connected! With the help of two feisty neighbors , an ex boyfriend, the new police chief, a ghost hunter, and a toy museum owner who has the hots for her father things are heating up! Can they solve this mystery and keep her father out of jail? This book has it all rolled into one awesome story! I can't wait to read the next book in this series! I highly recommend this book !
August 2, 2016
Thank you for making me a winner in the Goodreads giveaway. I totally enjoyed reading Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early. I had a hard time putting it down. This is a very well written cosy and I look forward to reading more by Barbara Early. Her characters and the continuity of her story line was great.
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