Dolled Up for Murder
by Deb Baker
Published by Berkley
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Reviewed by Linda Lee
Murder is not child's play. Dolls play a major part in this mystery full of doll collectors, repairers and dealers. It's a small, small world where everyone in the business seems to know everyone else--and also know their weaknesses.
Gretchen Birch gets the call from her self-proclaimed psychic Aunt Nina. A doll collector is dead after falling from a mountain. A note she clutched in her hand leads the police to believe Gretchen's mother, Caroline, killed her. Caroline is missing and didn't even take her lucky bracelet. Aunt Nina insists Gretchen leave Boston immediately, come to Phoenix and help save her mother, before it's too late.
With miniature purse dogs in training, and a three-legged cat named Wobbles, in tow, the women encounter a strange cast of characters ranging from collectors who only deal in the very best dolls to homeless people who know Caroline well. Of course there's a good-looking policeman in the mix. He just might be what Gretchen needs since her high-class lawyer boyfriend only seems worried about her mother to the extent of how it will affect his making partner.
In this quick-paced story with engaging characters and a solid mystery, readers may find themselves remembering old dolls and strange, but fun, playmates.
Armchair Interviews says: This first in a new series holds great promise for more fun to come.