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Claus #9
Toymaker: Return of the Lost Toys
The 9th standalone novel in the Claus Universe.
One Christmas morning, a mystery gift appeared under trees around the world. It was the exact same gift, inscribed with the maker’s initials in tiny letters: BT and Company. It was months before anyone knew exactly what the gift did.
Avery Tannenbaum’s brother was one of the lucky few to receive one. It was on her birthday when the mysterious gifts came to life. A contest was announced. It was also on that very same day Avery’s grandmother passed away.
An eccentric, wealthy woman, Nana Rai left detailed instructions on how to commemorate her passing, a celebration to be held on Christmas morning, which just so happened to be the same day the contest was set to end. Avery’s family travels to a cold and snowy land to honor her grandmother’s wishes. And it’s here she uncovers the true purpose of the mystery gift, and why the makers launched a global contest.
As Nana Rai’s celebration nears, Avery follows clues her grandmother left behind. BT and Company are searching for the Toymaker. And Avery knows what they’ll do when they find him. She becomes part of her grandmother’s plan to stop them. The real mystery isn’t where the Toymaker is hiding.
It’s why he’s hiding in the first place.
One Christmas morning, a mystery gift appeared under trees around the world. It was the exact same gift, inscribed with the maker’s initials in tiny letters: BT and Company. It was months before anyone knew exactly what the gift did.
Avery Tannenbaum’s brother was one of the lucky few to receive one. It was on her birthday when the mysterious gifts came to life. A contest was announced. It was also on that very same day Avery’s grandmother passed away.
An eccentric, wealthy woman, Nana Rai left detailed instructions on how to commemorate her passing, a celebration to be held on Christmas morning, which just so happened to be the same day the contest was set to end. Avery’s family travels to a cold and snowy land to honor her grandmother’s wishes. And it’s here she uncovers the true purpose of the mystery gift, and why the makers launched a global contest.
As Nana Rai’s celebration nears, Avery follows clues her grandmother left behind. BT and Company are searching for the Toymaker. And Avery knows what they’ll do when they find him. She becomes part of her grandmother’s plan to stop them. The real mystery isn’t where the Toymaker is hiding.
It’s why he’s hiding in the first place.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2021
61 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Tony Bertauski
72 books764 followersGet my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 2, 2021
Is there a Santa Claus? Elves? Reindeer? Do they live at the North Pole? Why haven’t humans ever found them? If you have been following the series, you may have some of the answers already.
Avery Neva (Snow) Tannenbaum was born on her Nana Rai’s birthday and they celebrated it together every year. This year is different. Her Nana has passed away and left a last request.
Toymaker is all about him, and the Hunt for him. But there is so much more going on the just a game and there is more to the Hunt than win or lose.
I love the unique characters and the world they live in. Dangerous and magical, good and bad…and TOYS. Thank you Santa.
Tony Bertauski has a way with words and has written of a fantastical, magical fantasy world, filled with imagination and creativity, weaving the real world, the future, the past, and the present into a present (?).
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Toymaker by Tony Bertauski.
See more at fundinmental
Avery Neva (Snow) Tannenbaum was born on her Nana Rai’s birthday and they celebrated it together every year. This year is different. Her Nana has passed away and left a last request.
Toymaker is all about him, and the Hunt for him. But there is so much more going on the just a game and there is more to the Hunt than win or lose.
I love the unique characters and the world they live in. Dangerous and magical, good and bad…and TOYS. Thank you Santa.
Tony Bertauski has a way with words and has written of a fantastical, magical fantasy world, filled with imagination and creativity, weaving the real world, the future, the past, and the present into a present (?).
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Toymaker by Tony Bertauski.
See more at fundinmental
December 28, 2025
The 9th standalone book in the Claus Universe.
It started with a present.
All around the world, a mysterious gift appeared under people’s trees one Christmas morning.
These lucky recipients didn't know who gave it to them, but they all received the exact same gift. It was months before anyone knew what the gift was for.
Avery Tannenbaum's brother was one of the lucky few. It was her birthday when all the mysterious gifts came to life and a contest was announced. It was also that very same day Avery's grandmother, Nana Rai, passed away.
An eccentric, wealthy woman, Nana Rai left detailed instructions on how to celebrate her passing to be held on Christmas morning, which just so happens to be the same day the contest is set to end. Avery's family travels to a cold and snowy place to honor her grandmother's wishes. It’s here that she uncovers the true purpose of the mystery gift and the purpose of this global virtual contest: Find the Toymaker.
Another great addition to this series I’ve come to love and look forward to over the years, since receiving a free copy of the first book, ”Claus: Legend of the Fat Man” in 2012 (which I’ve loved THREE TIMES so far).
Some great characters, some sincere, some quirky.
A great holiday read.
It started with a present.
All around the world, a mysterious gift appeared under people’s trees one Christmas morning.
These lucky recipients didn't know who gave it to them, but they all received the exact same gift. It was months before anyone knew what the gift was for.
Avery Tannenbaum's brother was one of the lucky few. It was her birthday when all the mysterious gifts came to life and a contest was announced. It was also that very same day Avery's grandmother, Nana Rai, passed away.
An eccentric, wealthy woman, Nana Rai left detailed instructions on how to celebrate her passing to be held on Christmas morning, which just so happens to be the same day the contest is set to end. Avery's family travels to a cold and snowy place to honor her grandmother's wishes. It’s here that she uncovers the true purpose of the mystery gift and the purpose of this global virtual contest: Find the Toymaker.
Another great addition to this series I’ve come to love and look forward to over the years, since receiving a free copy of the first book, ”Claus: Legend of the Fat Man” in 2012 (which I’ve loved THREE TIMES so far).
Some great characters, some sincere, some quirky.
A great holiday read.
July 20, 2022
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. It’s sometime in the future from the previous books. There’s a young girl who was born same day as her mysterious, artistic grandmother who dies on their birthday after giving her a special virtual environment ‘hiwires’ set that her mother didn’t want her to have. Her brother is a futuristic ‘virtual’ nerd who lives in the basement. They all travel to the grandmother’s home in the snowy north for a special event celebrating her life. From then on it gets weirder with an international virtual ‘Hunt’. I admit I skimmed through some of it.
I think somehow the grandmother was related to Chris in the previous book. It gets very confusing toward the end on what’s happening and how all connects.
Fave scenes: Jenks showing Avery the library and the plastic army men.
I think somehow the grandmother was related to Chris in the previous book. It gets very confusing toward the end on what’s happening and how all connects.
Fave scenes: Jenks showing Avery the library and the plastic army men.
March 17, 2024
Toymaker
This is book 9 in Tony Bertauski’s Claus Universe and it’s possibly his most remarkable.
Avery is the heroine of this story but then so is Nana Rai.
What happens to our dearly loved toys when we grow up and away from them?
Do they lie somewhere forgotten and abandoned these repositories of hopes, our dreams, our secrets?
Do they yearn for us as we once yearned for them?
Toymaker attempts to answer some of these questions in Tony Bertauski’s own inimitable voice and creates a thrilling wonderous world of “what ifs”.
Although each tale in the Claus Universe is independent this particular one is packed with Easter eggs that regular devoted readers will recognise creating a story that is much bigger than is written here. You will not be disappointed.
This is book 9 in Tony Bertauski’s Claus Universe and it’s possibly his most remarkable.
Avery is the heroine of this story but then so is Nana Rai.
What happens to our dearly loved toys when we grow up and away from them?
Do they lie somewhere forgotten and abandoned these repositories of hopes, our dreams, our secrets?
Do they yearn for us as we once yearned for them?
Toymaker attempts to answer some of these questions in Tony Bertauski’s own inimitable voice and creates a thrilling wonderous world of “what ifs”.
Although each tale in the Claus Universe is independent this particular one is packed with Easter eggs that regular devoted readers will recognise creating a story that is much bigger than is written here. You will not be disappointed.
December 24, 2024
Toymaker seems almost like the end of the story; rest assured it isn't. But it does bring the other nine books together in this one in it's own way.
This book is a big reminder of what we lost when we grew up. It reminds us that our favorite toys never wanted to be forgotten, that they still had years of joy and love to give us if we'd only just kept them, instead of discarding them.
It really made me think of the plushies and toys I favored growing up and wondering where they are now. I never discarded them, they literally got lost between moves and growing up. I hope they all found new homes eventually though.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws as I delve into book 10.
This book is a big reminder of what we lost when we grew up. It reminds us that our favorite toys never wanted to be forgotten, that they still had years of joy and love to give us if we'd only just kept them, instead of discarding them.
It really made me think of the plushies and toys I favored growing up and wondering where they are now. I never discarded them, they literally got lost between moves and growing up. I hope they all found new homes eventually though.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws as I delve into book 10.
November 1, 2021
Phenomenal. This series gets better with each book. Each generation. I love the whimsical feeling this book has as well as a very dark undercurrent. I love the characters, yes, even Meeho and Flinn despite how annoying they were. I do wish Nana Rai had more of a part since she seemed to be quite the character. The story is rich, intense, full of mystery. Tony Bertauski is such a masterful storyteller! I loved it!
November 4, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 20, 2023
Just as I suspected...
...The toys ARE watching!! They are there for us as children, to comfort us and share JOY! Then we lay them aside and forget them..what happens to these cast-offs??
Such a great story.. the quest for the Toymaker through "the HUNT" was wayyyy more complicated that I could have imagined.. layers of info and backstory fleshed out this adventure! The ending was a complete surprise, I LOVE that!!!
...The toys ARE watching!! They are there for us as children, to comfort us and share JOY! Then we lay them aside and forget them..what happens to these cast-offs??
Such a great story.. the quest for the Toymaker through "the HUNT" was wayyyy more complicated that I could have imagined.. layers of info and backstory fleshed out this adventure! The ending was a complete surprise, I LOVE that!!!
December 20, 2023
.Tony Bertauski hasn't let me down yet. I look forward to his holiday fare every season, still working my way through the series.
His stories take the familiar holiday elements and make them into something new. Never predictable, never taking them so far from the traditional as to spoil the mood. It's magical, really.
I have recommended him to readers of all ages for a number of years now.
His stories take the familiar holiday elements and make them into something new. Never predictable, never taking them so far from the traditional as to spoil the mood. It's magical, really.
I have recommended him to readers of all ages for a number of years now.
November 1, 2021
Does magic exist?
Avery gets to see pieces from all the stories in this unique and interesting look at the magic in Christmas stories. What is real and what is make believe? Wonderful characters bring this unique adventure story to life.
Avery gets to see pieces from all the stories in this unique and interesting look at the magic in Christmas stories. What is real and what is make believe? Wonderful characters bring this unique adventure story to life.
November 2, 2021
I love this series! Tony took everything we thought we knew about Santa, the Reindeer, Jack Frost, Frosty the snowman and even the toys and put his own unique spin on it! While each book is a stand alone story you should read all of them as they are really good!
November 3, 2021
Addictive reality
Could not put it down til I finished. I loved it. From beginning to end, from end to beginning. Dreams of reality. Toys hear our dreams, making them come true in our imagination.
Well done. Mr. Bertauski.
Could not put it down til I finished. I loved it. From beginning to end, from end to beginning. Dreams of reality. Toys hear our dreams, making them come true in our imagination.
Well done. Mr. Bertauski.
November 14, 2021
I loved this part of the stories! Toymaker is the best.
I guess I feel the same way whenever I read these colorful additions to the Claus universe. You feel warm and fuzzy and joyful. Thank you Tony Bertauski for filing in the blanks!
I guess I feel the same way whenever I read these colorful additions to the Claus universe. You feel warm and fuzzy and joyful. Thank you Tony Bertauski for filing in the blanks!
December 26, 2021
After nine years, I still look forward to getting my new book during the holidays. This book is still a stand-alone read, but he takes and refects on characters from other Claus Universe books. I mean, why would you start at number 9 anyway????
December 31, 2022
exhausting
The book was confusing and exhausting to follow. Scenes jumped to other locations and/or characters without warning or explanation. Not as well written as previous books.
The book was confusing and exhausting to follow. Scenes jumped to other locations and/or characters without warning or explanation. Not as well written as previous books.
August 12, 2024
Loved it. Hadn’t read a Clause universe book for a couple of years. Looked forward to reading this one and was so happy to be back. So many references to previous books took me right back. So well written.
June 5, 2025
Meh ... this entry in the series just didn't connect for me.
I get the story line, the characters, and the science in this volume; but for whatever reason, this particular entry in"The Claus Universe" series just didn't connect for me. YMMV!
I get the story line, the characters, and the science in this volume; but for whatever reason, this particular entry in"The Claus Universe" series just didn't connect for me. YMMV!
November 2, 2021
This is Avery's story and the adventure to finding her special gift. The Easter eggs in this book remind you of the wonder and joy of the other books.
November 3, 2021
Carried away to another wor!d
I never can guess where I'm being taken to, so I read for hours to get the answer.
An amazing read, one I'm sure my granddaughter will enjoy too.
I never can guess where I'm being taken to, so I read for hours to get the answer.
An amazing read, one I'm sure my granddaughter will enjoy too.
November 15, 2021
Loved it!
A great read in the run up to Christmas!! Thanks for another good story, Tony. Enjoyable, fun, and serious - all at the same time.
A great read in the run up to Christmas!! Thanks for another good story, Tony. Enjoyable, fun, and serious - all at the same time.
December 8, 2021
Not as much about Santa Claus/Nicholas. Still good, but I prefer more about the North Pole & the elves.
May 5, 2024
Great
Omg! I can't put these books down, this one especially! So many characters from previous books refreshed my memory and literally made me smile!
Omg! I can't put these books down, this one especially! So many characters from previous books refreshed my memory and literally made me smile!
August 13, 2025
He does it again! Another new story with nostalgic characters. A dive into Joy. An awakinging. A beautiful story about dreams, hard work imagination and friends.
February 6, 2024
Loved it. Tony Bertauski's Claus Universe is brilliant.
June 13, 2022
Once again, Tony Bertauski doesn't disappoint with the retelling of a Christmas tale. This one takes us to the toys of Misfit Island, if you will. Where do misfit toys go? What happens to toys when children stop loving them or grow out of them? This book will not only answer those questions but set your thinking into an entirely different world and how you may look at toys ... in the future.
I reread every single Christmas retelling books by this author every season. Starting on Thanksgiving. They have become a yearly tradition for me.
This is part of a series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
ENJOY! I did!
I reread every single Christmas retelling books by this author every season. Starting on Thanksgiving. They have become a yearly tradition for me.
This is part of a series but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
ENJOY! I did!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews