Death of a Russian Doll: A Vintage Toy Shop Mystery

Liz’s blossoming romance with Police Chief Ken Young hits an abrupt end when his wife shows up to rebuild their relationship. Not only is Liz part of the town gossip, but she gets to work next door to Ken’s wife after Marya gets a job at the barbershop. When Marya is murdered, Ken is the obvious choice for the suspect. It doesn’t help matters that Liz overheard an argument between the couple right before the murder and Liz’s father is chosen to fill in as Chief. Liz knows Ken is innocent, but proving it may be difficult. She digs into Marya’s life and uncovers surprising secrets, from a mysterious sister to a PI investigating senior citizens.

Death of a Russian Doll picks up with the gossip and tension Liz is dealing with after her boyfriend’s wife returns and changes everything. Following a time jump, Liz has worked to move on with her life, which includes fun moments of romantic comedy as she not only gets a date with the sweet FBI accountant Mark but also the handsome Ian, who takes her to fancy places. Her romantic life is complicated but also forces Liz to evaluate her feelings and figure out where she wants to go in her life. The story is full of comedic effects, especially coinciding with her sleuthing, which involves some undercover work resulting in a bad hair cut and a night at senior citizen speed dating. As ever, Barbara Early blends mystery, romance, comedy, and the heart of family in another delightful read that pairs murder with romantic comedy and sleuthing hi-jinks.

Death of a Russian Doll is the third book in the Vintage Toy Shop Mysteries series.