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Dolled up for Murder

by Deb Baker

Dolled up for Murder is probably what you'd call in the 'cozy' category of suspense and mystery fiction – the second book (and the second series starter) for this author. Dolled Up for Murder is about the world of doll collecting, containing a number of facts about just what some avid collectors will do to accomplish their goals (something found in almost every collector category!). Deb Baker's writing is told from the standpoint of Gretchen Birch, and the prose, like her heroine, is warm and cuddly. Ms. Baker is adept at presenting you with conundrums unraveling only in the final pages, dropping clues now and then beforehand. Make no mistake – this book is just as much for the male reader as the female… Believe it or not, men collect dolls too – especially when their worth gets to five figures or more!

Gretchen is wakened at an ungodly hour - when it's still dark outside in Boston - by a phone call from a relative in Phoenix, who tells her of the death of a down-and-out doll collector, then Gretchen's mother's sudden disappearance afterwards. Caroline, Gretchen's parent, has been charged with suspicion of murder since a note implicating her was found clutched in the dead woman's hand. But the police can't locate her. Nina, Gretchen's aunt (who evidently lived with Caroline) insists that Gretchen fly out to Phoenix at once to settle the case.

Gretchen complies. Back in Boston she's left a seven-year relationship with a man called Steve, who always seems to put his career before any commitment to Gretchen, although she doesn't see it that way. Once in Phoenix, Gretchen is faced with a number of mind-numbing leads, including two homeless people and threats on her life. She's caught up in the whole world of doll collecting, since her mother Caroline was a well-known expert in that field, writing a book titled 'The World of Dolls' as well as collecting dolls herself and repairing them. A certain French fashion doll is implicated in the search for Caroline. Two accessory items are discovered belonging to the doll, but the trunk containing the doll (as well as its clothing and accessories) isn't found at first.

Chases, sunburn and enmity between pets is mixed in with gradual discovery and a certain detective's shadowing of Gretchen, hoping she'll lead him to her mother – except that Gretchen has no idea where her mother has gone. In the story, the reader is told that Caroline has actually taken a plane to Chicago – but in the ensuing brief accounts of her experiences there, we're not told completely why.

Of course, it all comes together in the surprising climax, and everything turns out fine – with the possible exception of Steve, who frets at Gretchen's sudden decisiveness (including her decision to stay in Phoenix with her mother). Deb Baker writes an engrossing tale packed with information about the doll collectors and dolls – all included in a puzzling mystery filled with charm as well as suspense. I'm sure the fans are already gathering for Ms. Baker's next novel!

Alan Paul Curtis

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