Ding Dong Dead by Deb Baker is the 4th book in the “Dolls To Die For” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), December 2008
Doll restorer Gretchen Birch and the other Phoenix Dollers can hardly wait to open their doll museum. But when an out-of-town doll maker meets her own maker, the Dollers’ dream come true will soon prove more of a nightmare.
All’s well in Phoenix—Gretchen’s business is thriving, she’s dating a gorgeous detective, and an anonymous donor has given the Phoenix Dollers a historic house to turn into a doll museum. But as the doll-club members rehearse a play as a fundraiser, Gretchen’s kooky “psychic” aunt, Nina, becomes convinced the house is haunted. Gretchen scoffs, but strange, creepy things do seem to be happening: A woman—with ties to Gretchen’s mother—is found dead, lying atop a grave in the cemetery; a note with the words “Die, Dolly, Die” is left on Gretchen’s car; and the Birch women make an eerie discovery in the house.
Still, even with Nina’s warnings of danger, Gretchen intends to get to the bottom of this. And she’d better, or it’ll be she and her friends who will be history.
This was an enjoyable mystery and I loved the surprised ending. I also love the facts about the doll history. My rating: 3.5 stars
*new-to-me author