Death of the Dancing Doll by D.E. Ring transports readers to the enchanting world of Barrachois, Nova Scotia, where mysteries lurk beneath the surface of idyllic autumn days. This third installment in the Urquhart & MacDonald Mystery Series has an irresistible appeal to fans of murder and mystery. The story opens with the installation of a new bronze plaque, a tribute to the city's Second World War heroes. But when a chain snaps, a mummified corpse, elegantly clad in a lawyer's gown, emerges from within the cenotaph. The shocking discovery sets the stage for a gripping investigation led by the unflagging Inspector Jimmy Urquhart and the relentless journalist Notepad MacDonald.

The plot in the Death of the Dancing Doll is stunningly imagined and skillfully executed.  The discovery of a mummified corpse constitutes a strong premise for the narrative. Still, the clues left on the body by the killer create a sense of mystery that haunts the investigators twenty years later.  Why would someone leave deliberate clues on a murdered body? As the story progresses, secrets from the past resurface, long-buried wounds are laid bare, and a shocking murder heightens the tension. Ring's writing is evocative, and he offers dazzling images of the setting in Barrachois in 1948, with its lazy autumn days and sun-drenched landscapes. The characters are multi-dimensional and relatable; readers will enjoy the captivating dialogue. Death of the Dancing Doll by D.E. Ring is a tale that is as much about unraveling a mystery as it is about unraveling the intricacies of human nature. With its unique premise and nuanced characters, this novel offers the kind of entertainment readers hope to find in mystery thrillers and intriguing crime novels. I read it straight through the night.