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Lighthouse Library Mystery #11
The Stranger in the Library
Outer Banks librarian Lucy is working on an art show at the library when paintings–and people–start to go missing, in this 11th Lighthouse Library mystery from national bestselling author Eva Gates.
When a traveling show of impressionist art comes to Nags Head, North Carolina, librarian Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their launch of the display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that a reproduction of a famous painting has gone missing.
No one knows why anyone would bother stealing it: the picture is of no value–the real, priceless painting is under lock and key at the art show itself. Lucy gets an invite to the glitzy opening night for the real show, where she notices unusual tension among the show’s organizers. Then, the man scheduled to give the welcoming speech fails to arrive, and a party-goer is discovered drowned in a fish pond.
Meanwhile, Louise Jane is totally captivated by Tom Reilly, a handsome, charming art dealer lurking at the edges of the receptions on both nights. Tom slipped away from the party early, and he cannot be located by the police. Who, Lucy asks, is Tom Reilly, the shadowy figure threatening to break Louise Jane’s heart?
Something is afoot in Nags Head, and it’s up to Lucy and her friends to get to the bottom of it before it’s not just paintings being framed.
When a traveling show of impressionist art comes to Nags Head, North Carolina, librarian Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their launch of the display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that a reproduction of a famous painting has gone missing.
No one knows why anyone would bother stealing it: the picture is of no value–the real, priceless painting is under lock and key at the art show itself. Lucy gets an invite to the glitzy opening night for the real show, where she notices unusual tension among the show’s organizers. Then, the man scheduled to give the welcoming speech fails to arrive, and a party-goer is discovered drowned in a fish pond.
Meanwhile, Louise Jane is totally captivated by Tom Reilly, a handsome, charming art dealer lurking at the edges of the receptions on both nights. Tom slipped away from the party early, and he cannot be located by the police. Who, Lucy asks, is Tom Reilly, the shadowy figure threatening to break Louise Jane’s heart?
Something is afoot in Nags Head, and it’s up to Lucy and her friends to get to the bottom of it before it’s not just paintings being framed.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
124 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
May 14, 2025
The Stranger in the Library written by Eva Gates is the 11th book in her Lighthouse Library Mysteries, a cozy amateur sleuth series set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Art work disappears during an event at the library, and protagonist Lucy is determined to find out who took Louisa Jane's grandmother's painting. A stranger wearing various disguises appears, as well as several art critics and artists, all who have interesting connections to one another. Lucy is also adjusting to being newly married to the mayor so she's got a lot on her plate this time. I enjoyed the mystery and shenanigans, and the side stories were also entertaining. The mystery had a small twist, which you'd think by now I'd be able to spot, but not in this one. Gates always sends us away with a neatly tidied up story and a curiosity to continue reading the series.
May 27, 2024
This is the eleventh book in this series and it was fun to be visiting the Lighthouse Library again.
Lucy and Connor are back from their honeymoon and are happy to attend a cocktail party and exhibition of original art in the town. Unfortunately they discover a dead body in the fishpond outside, and consequently become involved in the police investigation. The author supplies lots of excitement and red herrings, and the eventual culprit is not anyone who I suspected!
Nicely written, an interesting mystery and great characters including the beautiful cat. Five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lucy and Connor are back from their honeymoon and are happy to attend a cocktail party and exhibition of original art in the town. Unfortunately they discover a dead body in the fishpond outside, and consequently become involved in the police investigation. The author supplies lots of excitement and red herrings, and the eventual culprit is not anyone who I suspected!
Nicely written, an interesting mystery and great characters including the beautiful cat. Five stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 16, 2024
The Stranger in the Library is another great tale in the Lighthouse Library series, set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the town of Nags Head. The setting is such a fun one as the library is set in a working lighthouse, not feasible but great to imagine. Newlywed librarian Lucy has organized an art exhibit at the library with reproductions and prints while an art exhibit with authentic work is being held in town. When Lucy, her cousin Josie, and coworker Louise Jane discover one of the main event's organizers dead outside the venue, Lucy puts on her sleuthing hat to find the killer. At the same time, a reproduction piece of a long dead famous OBX artist is stolen from the library and then returned with the back paper slashed. Odd! The piece is on loan from Lousie Jane's grandmother and the famous artist is an ancestor., the reproduction by his brother. So, Louise Jane gets involved, especially when a handsome art dealer she likes is somehow involved. Expect adventure, twists, turns, self-serving suspects, danger, and a great murder mystery and a couple of surprises at the ending.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
December 11, 2023
The Stranger in the Library is the 11th book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. It takes place in Nags Head. Lucy O'Neil is the main character who works as an assistant director at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, She and her husband, Connor who is also mayor, have just come back from their honeymoon. Lucy, Bertie James, library director, Denise Roberts, academic librarian, Ronald Burkowski, children's librarian and Louise Jane McKaughnan, volunteer are having an openhouse cocktail party for their showing of reproduction artwork. It is the night before the historical society's invitation only cocktail party of original artwork. Lucy's cousin, Josie Greenblatt is catering both parties. She owns Josie's Cozy Bakery.
Louise Jane's family is an old family in Nag's Head and are showing their reproduction painting. Stormy Seas that her uncle George did of his brother, Robert O'Callagham's original. Robert was a prominant artist from Nags Head. Tom Reilly is a collector and art dealer is very interested in the painting.
The next day after the party Lucy gets to the library and finds that the picture is not hanging on the wall. She calls the police and reports it missing. It is later returned with the back paper sliced. What was the person looking for?
CeeCee Watson is incharge of the the invitation only artwork showing. All important people were attending. Mark Farrago's company is putting on the coctail party and art show. Ethan Livingston is Mark's assistant. Lisa McMaham, a volunteer is also there. Everyone is waiting for Mark as he is late. Later in the evening, Josie, Lucy and Louise Jane go the garden and find Mark dead in the fish pond. They notify the police.
This is where the story takes off. There is so much going on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising ending,
I have read this series from the beginning and have enjoyed it. I look forward to the next adventure that Lucy and her friends get themselves into.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Louise Jane's family is an old family in Nag's Head and are showing their reproduction painting. Stormy Seas that her uncle George did of his brother, Robert O'Callagham's original. Robert was a prominant artist from Nags Head. Tom Reilly is a collector and art dealer is very interested in the painting.
The next day after the party Lucy gets to the library and finds that the picture is not hanging on the wall. She calls the police and reports it missing. It is later returned with the back paper sliced. What was the person looking for?
CeeCee Watson is incharge of the the invitation only artwork showing. All important people were attending. Mark Farrago's company is putting on the coctail party and art show. Ethan Livingston is Mark's assistant. Lisa McMaham, a volunteer is also there. Everyone is waiting for Mark as he is late. Later in the evening, Josie, Lucy and Louise Jane go the garden and find Mark dead in the fish pond. They notify the police.
This is where the story takes off. There is so much going on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising ending,
I have read this series from the beginning and have enjoyed it. I look forward to the next adventure that Lucy and her friends get themselves into.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
June 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
Book #11 in the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series.
Connor and Lucy are back from their honeymoon in Paris, where Lucy got to see many famous paintings and enjoy the art culture, so when she finds out that a traveling art exhibition is coming to Nags Head, North Carolina she asks and gets permission from her library director, Bertie James, to set up an exhibit of their own with art reproductions and books about art and art history. The event at the library is a success, but when Lucy shows up for work the next morning she discovers one of the paintings is missing.
A missing painting, a murder, an attempted murder. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and totally invested from beginning to end, which is a great accomplishment since I have no interest in art or all that goes into it, but Ms. Gates kept the story and characters engaging throughout. Highly recommended!
Book #11 in the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series.
Connor and Lucy are back from their honeymoon in Paris, where Lucy got to see many famous paintings and enjoy the art culture, so when she finds out that a traveling art exhibition is coming to Nags Head, North Carolina she asks and gets permission from her library director, Bertie James, to set up an exhibit of their own with art reproductions and books about art and art history. The event at the library is a success, but when Lucy shows up for work the next morning she discovers one of the paintings is missing.
A missing painting, a murder, an attempted murder. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and totally invested from beginning to end, which is a great accomplishment since I have no interest in art or all that goes into it, but Ms. Gates kept the story and characters engaging throughout. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2024
This book was so fun! I love reading about Lucy and all the gang. This time there is a big art show in town and during the opening gala a guest is found dead! Lucy and Louise Jane team up and try to help the police find the identity of the killer. I had a lot of fun, highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Eva Gates for giving me the opportunity to read an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Eva Gates for giving me the opportunity to read an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2024
The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.
Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.
This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
June 2, 2024
"The Stranger in the Library (Lighthouse Library Mystery#11)" by Eva Gates aka Vicki Delany explores the art world. When a painting with seemingly no value (other than sentimental) goes missing and a guest of honor is found dead, Lucy gets pulled into figuring out what is going on. She teams up with Louise Jane quite a bit in this one, since it's Louise Jane's family painting. It was nice to see them really getting along and more friendly of a banter rather than Louis Jane being overly competitive or bragging all the time.
The mystery was a bit different. Lucy did more digital leg work this time it seemed. It was more a happenstance that they finally figured out who the murderer was. With that, I did kind of suspect at least one part of what happened. It didn't quite happen like I was thinking.
This series is starting to feel like it's reaching an end. It could keep going for a while. With more characters seem to be reaching a "happily ever after" moment, things may be wrapping up.
The mystery was a bit different. Lucy did more digital leg work this time it seemed. It was more a happenstance that they finally figured out who the murderer was. With that, I did kind of suspect at least one part of what happened. It didn't quite happen like I was thinking.
This series is starting to feel like it's reaching an end. It could keep going for a while. With more characters seem to be reaching a "happily ever after" moment, things may be wrapping up.
March 22, 2024
This book was so fun! I love reading about Lucy and all the gang. This time there is a big art show in town and during the opening gala a guest is found dead! Lucy and Louise Jane team up and try to help the police find the identity of the killer. I had a lot of fun, highly recommend!
March 10, 2024
Life is good - Lucy and Connor are back from their honeymoon, a travelling Impressionist Art show is having a showing at an exclusive party in Nags Head and the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is having it's own Impressionist educational art show before the party. When Louise-Jane's reproduction of a famous painting is stolen and a party-goer at is murdered, Lucy finds herself in the midst of a dangerous mystery.
Reading this series is like visiting with old friends. I love the relationship between Lucy and Connor, Lucy's quirky and sweet friends, and the setting in North Carolina. Louise-Jane plays a larger part in the mystery and it was fun (I don't want to give anything away)!
Grab your iced tea or hot chocolate and curl up with a perfect cozy mystery!
I received an ARC from NeGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Reading this series is like visiting with old friends. I love the relationship between Lucy and Connor, Lucy's quirky and sweet friends, and the setting in North Carolina. Louise-Jane plays a larger part in the mystery and it was fun (I don't want to give anything away)!
Grab your iced tea or hot chocolate and curl up with a perfect cozy mystery!
I received an ARC from NeGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 4, 2023
#TheStrangerintheLibrary #NetGalley begins with Lucy and her husband, Connor, settling into married life while Lucy prepares for the traveling show of impressionist art coming to their Nags Head lighthouse library.
Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that the piece by a distant relative of Louise Jane has disappeared.
The painting isn't valuable, but its sentimental, and Lucy teams up with Louise Jane to locate it.
Whenever Lucy finds herself wrapped up in an investigation, a dead body is never far behind, so it came as no surprise to find out someone has secrets they want to keep hidden, even if murder is the only option to keep the silence.
I liked this story, it was nice to see Lucy and Louise Jane getting along, and even nicer to see a more gentle side to LJ.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that the piece by a distant relative of Louise Jane has disappeared.
The painting isn't valuable, but its sentimental, and Lucy teams up with Louise Jane to locate it.
Whenever Lucy finds herself wrapped up in an investigation, a dead body is never far behind, so it came as no surprise to find out someone has secrets they want to keep hidden, even if murder is the only option to keep the silence.
I liked this story, it was nice to see Lucy and Louise Jane getting along, and even nicer to see a more gentle side to LJ.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
May 6, 2024
"A Stranger in the Library” the 11th instalment in the "Lighthouse Library" Mystery series by Eva Gates. I love this series and couldn’t wait to visit Nag’s Head and the Bodie Island Lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of N.C. Again. Outer Banks librarian Lucy is working on an art show at the library when paintings–and people–start to go missing
This time the story is more centred around an impressionist art show and Louise Jane’s family heirloom painting. Louise Jane takes a fancy to someone that attends the library art exhibition and chaos soon follows.
As always I like how Eva incorporates things in the story that makes me want to learn more on the subject or read the book the book club is reading Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I can't wait for the next instalment! I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time the story is more centred around an impressionist art show and Louise Jane’s family heirloom painting. Louise Jane takes a fancy to someone that attends the library art exhibition and chaos soon follows.
As always I like how Eva incorporates things in the story that makes me want to learn more on the subject or read the book the book club is reading Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I can't wait for the next instalment! I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 20, 2024
I technically have an ARC of this but as is typical of me I never read it and instead got the audio from the library 🤣
Another delightful addition to my most beloved cozy series! I thought the added intrigue of the art world (its history and shady dealings) was so interesting. I was left guessing until it was all revealed. I liked the audio portion a lot too - the narrator was great and I loved how she did the accents.
Another delightful addition to my most beloved cozy series! I thought the added intrigue of the art world (its history and shady dealings) was so interesting. I was left guessing until it was all revealed. I liked the audio portion a lot too - the narrator was great and I loved how she did the accents.
Read
June 10, 2024What I put on NetGalley
This was good [and I mean very good] until it wasn't. The narrator was better than usual, until she too, wasn't [IF you're going to be a professional narrator, PLEASE learn how to pronounce names, especially one as recognizable as RENOIR!!], and a book I was initially enjoying became something much different.
As someone who has had a serious love/dislike relationship with these books [it took me to book 6 to real!y love this series, only to watch it devolved again in book 9], I keep hoping for more from these books, but I keep being disappointed; such is the case here. As my opinions about this book are in the minority [and extremely unpopular], I will not go into any details as to why. I am very glad this book worked for so many; I can only be sad that I too was not one of them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Eva Gates, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2024
Lucy is a librarian in Nags Head, NorthCarolina which is also known as the outer banks. She is working on an art show. Slowly pieces of art and people start to go missing. Lucy is the assistant director at the Bodie Island Lighthouse library. Her and her husband Connor, who is also Mary of Nags Head, have recently returned from their honeymoon. The library is having a cocktail party open house for the art show. Lucy’s cousin Jose who owns the bakery is catering the party. The Historical Society is also having a party the next night. One of the pictures at the library is a reproduction called Stormy Seas. Louise Jane, head of the Historical Society, has an uncle George who hand painted the picture of his brother Robert’s original. When Lucy opens the library the day after the cocktail party, she realizes the painting is missing. When it does get returned the back paper has been sliced like someone was looking for something. At the Historical Society party there are all the right people attending. Mark, who is the owner of the company hosting the party is found dead in the fish pond.by Lucy, Jose and Louise Jane. This is when the story evolves into so much more. The three of them all get involved in the investigation of Mark’s death. Chaos and intrigue ensues.and secrets come to the forefront. This was a great little cozy mystery. There are a few road blocks and unexpected turns of events but Lucy prevails and finds the culprit to the murder. I am looking forward to book 12 now.
March 29, 2024
The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library has created a huge display of historical art. The launch of the display was a huge success. The next day Lucy realizes that a reproduction of a famous painting has gone missing. The real painting is under lock and key in a nearby exhibit in Nags Head. Worried about why the print was taken, the employees report the theft. Lucy gets an invitation to the real exhibit, so when the key speaker is a no-show Lucy wonders if the theft is somehow linked to the man's disappearance. When the man's body is found Lucy and friends can't help but get involved in the investigation.
The characters in the book have great chemistry in their relationships. Lucy is a smart, strong female protagonist who is relatable and realistic. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The storyline moves at a quick steady pace to keep the reader engaged in the story.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
The characters in the book have great chemistry in their relationships. Lucy is a smart, strong female protagonist who is relatable and realistic. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The storyline moves at a quick steady pace to keep the reader engaged in the story.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
December 13, 2023
ty netgalley for the free copy!! ♡
this was a fun read! i found Lucy and Louise Jane to be very likable characters, the mystery aspect was well done and kept me interested all the way to the end.
the writing is a lot more casual/light-hearted for something tagged as a thriller, considering what i'm used to. still, i wasn't annoyed by it in any way. the pacing was a little slow for me at the beginning considering there was a lot going on during the first chapter, however it was a good introduction to the story and the context needed.
also the cover is super cute :)
this was a fun read! i found Lucy and Louise Jane to be very likable characters, the mystery aspect was well done and kept me interested all the way to the end.
the writing is a lot more casual/light-hearted for something tagged as a thriller, considering what i'm used to. still, i wasn't annoyed by it in any way. the pacing was a little slow for me at the beginning considering there was a lot going on during the first chapter, however it was a good introduction to the story and the context needed.
also the cover is super cute :)
February 23, 2024
My unrestrained thoughts: I picked up this book solely because of the interesting description and the cat on the cover. And let’s just say that was the best decision ever! Such a nice cozy mystery.
Now, onto a little sophisticated review – it may contain tiny spoilers!
The Stranger in the Library, by Eva Gates, is the 11th part of the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. The book starts with Lucy and the rest of the library setting up an art and history show in honor of the traveling art show coming to Nags Head. Needless to say, it is a resounding success, managing to attract locals and tourists to the traveling show.
Tension soon fills the air as one of the replicas at the library goes missing… and reappears the next day with a slashed back. But its reappearance is right after one of the organizers of the traveling show is found dead. And it tingles the detective side of our dear protagonist! All of Lucy’s instincts point to Tom Reilly, a charming art dealer from Paris. But Louise Jane is quite smitten by the man and vehement that he’s not responsible for any of the strange happenings in the town.
Coziness drips from every word, every sentence of this book while managing to keep the mystery alive. Though I didn’t bite my nails while turning the pages, the story contained a certain kind of tension that made me eager to find out who the killer was.
I totally wasn’t able to guess the person , but I am not sure if I was impressed with the big reveal. Or the events that followed after. But that didn’t take away from the fact that I enjoyed the book completely.
It was a fun read, letting me venture into a fascinating side of the art world as I ran alongside Lucy to solve the mystery. It surely did prompt me to read the entire series – which I will be getting on to soon!
What I liked about the book:
The simple yet engaging narrative: Once I started reading, I was hooked! The language is enough simple that anyone can read it, and at the start, it felt like an Enid Blyton book (one of my favorite authors). I almost imagined their world without technology and people having elaborate breakfasts and evening tea. But it’s soon pretty clear to have been set in the present. The narrative is slow at times but all the scenes felt necessary, Did I say I was hooked? If yes, I will say it again!
The homely atmosphere: I have recently come to a realization that I love novels set in a small village. It is easier to imagine with the ever-present setting and the recurring tight-knit group of characters. Gates did so well with setting that setting! Because I could envision the atmosphere of the place even now – a beach town that provides the right kind of homely escape for the city people. Lucy’s relationships with the citizens also added more to the familiarity of Nags Head.
The art talks: The mystery is bound to be complex, as it is set in the art world. The author could have easily skimmed through the art part, which she, thankfully, didn’t do. . That made the book more informative and richer!
Louise Jane: We are always swayed by the opinions of the main character. If they don’t like a side character, then we also form negative opinions of them. But Louise Jane managed to steal my attention simply because of her quirkiness. I don’t know how she behaved in the earlier novels but in this one, I could see she and Lucy shared a hesitant camaraderie, kind of a love-hate friendship.
What I wasn’t impressed with:
I loved Lucy and her ability to sniff out stuff most, even the police, missed. However, I noticed that she reached most of her conclusions based on pure hunch. . It seemed as if that was the best way the author could come up with to uncover the mystery. And that made everything wobbly, a whole case of what-ifs for me.
Another thing that I noticed was that Lucy recounted the O’Callaghan history more than two times – when one time was enough. It was repeated to the point that I now remember more about some random fictional artists than my own life. The history is essential for the mystery, but I was saturated after reading it again and again.
My final thoughts?
The Stranger in the Library is one of those books that will make you love its flaws as well. It is a light mystery and if I am ever in the need of finding a quick read, I know I will turn to this one!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
#netgalley #arcreview
Now, onto a little sophisticated review – it may contain tiny spoilers!
The Stranger in the Library, by Eva Gates, is the 11th part of the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. The book starts with Lucy and the rest of the library setting up an art and history show in honor of the traveling art show coming to Nags Head. Needless to say, it is a resounding success, managing to attract locals and tourists to the traveling show.
Tension soon fills the air as one of the replicas at the library goes missing… and reappears the next day with a slashed back. But its reappearance is right after one of the organizers of the traveling show is found dead. And it tingles the detective side of our dear protagonist! All of Lucy’s instincts point to Tom Reilly, a charming art dealer from Paris. But Louise Jane is quite smitten by the man and vehement that he’s not responsible for any of the strange happenings in the town.
Coziness drips from every word, every sentence of this book while managing to keep the mystery alive. Though I didn’t bite my nails while turning the pages, the story contained a certain kind of tension that made me eager to find out who the killer was.
I totally wasn’t able to guess the person , but I am not sure if I was impressed with the big reveal. Or the events that followed after. But that didn’t take away from the fact that I enjoyed the book completely.
It was a fun read, letting me venture into a fascinating side of the art world as I ran alongside Lucy to solve the mystery. It surely did prompt me to read the entire series – which I will be getting on to soon!
What I liked about the book:
The simple yet engaging narrative: Once I started reading, I was hooked! The language is enough simple that anyone can read it, and at the start, it felt like an Enid Blyton book (one of my favorite authors). I almost imagined their world without technology and people having elaborate breakfasts and evening tea. But it’s soon pretty clear to have been set in the present. The narrative is slow at times but all the scenes felt necessary, Did I say I was hooked? If yes, I will say it again!
The homely atmosphere: I have recently come to a realization that I love novels set in a small village. It is easier to imagine with the ever-present setting and the recurring tight-knit group of characters. Gates did so well with setting that setting! Because I could envision the atmosphere of the place even now – a beach town that provides the right kind of homely escape for the city people. Lucy’s relationships with the citizens also added more to the familiarity of Nags Head.
The art talks: The mystery is bound to be complex, as it is set in the art world. The author could have easily skimmed through the art part, which she, thankfully, didn’t do. . That made the book more informative and richer!
Louise Jane: We are always swayed by the opinions of the main character. If they don’t like a side character, then we also form negative opinions of them. But Louise Jane managed to steal my attention simply because of her quirkiness. I don’t know how she behaved in the earlier novels but in this one, I could see she and Lucy shared a hesitant camaraderie, kind of a love-hate friendship.
What I wasn’t impressed with:
I loved Lucy and her ability to sniff out stuff most, even the police, missed. However, I noticed that she reached most of her conclusions based on pure hunch. . It seemed as if that was the best way the author could come up with to uncover the mystery. And that made everything wobbly, a whole case of what-ifs for me.
Another thing that I noticed was that Lucy recounted the O’Callaghan history more than two times – when one time was enough. It was repeated to the point that I now remember more about some random fictional artists than my own life. The history is essential for the mystery, but I was saturated after reading it again and again.
My final thoughts?
The Stranger in the Library is one of those books that will make you love its flaws as well. It is a light mystery and if I am ever in the need of finding a quick read, I know I will turn to this one!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
#netgalley #arcreview
June 6, 2024
Pro
* Louise Jane
* Charles
* Familiar community and personalities
* Art show setup
* Title character
* Book club
* Very good pacing
Con
* I don’t buy that a detective is going to reveal the details of an ongoing case to a civilian - it feels like an artificial way to give the clues to the reader.
* Distinction between “true classics” and genre classics is a bit elitist.
Thank you to Eva Gates, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
* Louise Jane
* Charles
* Familiar community and personalities
* Art show setup
* Title character
* Book club
* Very good pacing
Con
* I don’t buy that a detective is going to reveal the details of an ongoing case to a civilian - it feels like an artificial way to give the clues to the reader.
* Distinction between “true classics” and genre classics is a bit elitist.
Thank you to Eva Gates, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2025
I read the two books in a row. This one was so much better than the last one. I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading another.
June 22, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library has created an educational display about art history to coincide with an impressionist art traveling show coming to Nags Head. Several residents have loaned their personal impressionist reproductions or imitations to display in addition to all the books Lucy and the staff are featuring for the event. The display's launch was very well attended but when Lucy arrives the next morning she notices one of the reproductions was missing. Yes, it was a reproduction of a famous painting by an Outer Banks artist but it was a reproduction. Who would want to steal it?
Lucy and other members of the library staff were invited to the opening night of the traveling show. She attends with her new husband, the mayor, Connor. They both notice the show's organizers are upset that the man pegged to give the welcome speech is late. Another steps in to welcome the guests but as the event is winding down the tardy organizer is found murdered on the grounds floating in a fish pond.
Does the missing painting have anything to do with the murder? Or is there a thief and a killer on the Outer Banks? With some assistance from her friends, Lucy intends to paint one or both into a corner.
___
I love this series and Ms. Gates never disappoints. She makes it so easy to escape to my fictional happy place, The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is a special place that amazingly contains everything a library needs and more.
Newlyweds Lucy and Connor are settling into married life after honeymooning in France. Their jobs keep both of them very busy but they always make time for and support each other. The author has surrounded them with great people. The library staff, Bertie, Denise, Ronald, and Louise Jane, all helped with the library's art event. Louise Jane played a larger role in this story. Charles the library cat was on hand to greet the guests. Lucy's cousin Josie, catered both of the events. All are available to help Lucy sleuth, either by her side or covering for her at the library. All these characters are genuine and are developing at a realistic pace. Each book feels like I am catching up with my fun literary friends.
Ms. Gates introduces several new characters in the traveling tour organizers and their entourages. All had a purpose in the story and were each interesting in their own way.
The author plotted out a complicated mystery. Lucy did what she does best, research. She delved into all the suspect's lives to get answers. She meets face-to-face with them as well. I was happy to see they met in public places, but she and Louise Jane took a huge risk that definitely had chilling consequences. I wasn't sure they were going to get out of this one. Would the series end after 11 installments? I trusted that Eva Gates would get our heroine out of the mess she got herself into but I had no idea how she was going to do it. My Kindle was steaming as the pages were flying.
The Stranger in the Library is a brilliant addition to this series. I loved everything about it. From the wonderful lighthouse library to Connor and Lucy's home on the beach, to the Granger House where the real art was displayed. Each place was easily envisioned. Add to that delightful characters and an outstanding mystery with an edge-of-my-seat ending and you have a story worth more than 5 stars. This book receives my Paradise Rating and a spot on my Best Reads List for 2024.
Until next year, Ms. Gates . . .
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library has created an educational display about art history to coincide with an impressionist art traveling show coming to Nags Head. Several residents have loaned their personal impressionist reproductions or imitations to display in addition to all the books Lucy and the staff are featuring for the event. The display's launch was very well attended but when Lucy arrives the next morning she notices one of the reproductions was missing. Yes, it was a reproduction of a famous painting by an Outer Banks artist but it was a reproduction. Who would want to steal it?
Lucy and other members of the library staff were invited to the opening night of the traveling show. She attends with her new husband, the mayor, Connor. They both notice the show's organizers are upset that the man pegged to give the welcome speech is late. Another steps in to welcome the guests but as the event is winding down the tardy organizer is found murdered on the grounds floating in a fish pond.
Does the missing painting have anything to do with the murder? Or is there a thief and a killer on the Outer Banks? With some assistance from her friends, Lucy intends to paint one or both into a corner.
___
I love this series and Ms. Gates never disappoints. She makes it so easy to escape to my fictional happy place, The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is a special place that amazingly contains everything a library needs and more.
Newlyweds Lucy and Connor are settling into married life after honeymooning in France. Their jobs keep both of them very busy but they always make time for and support each other. The author has surrounded them with great people. The library staff, Bertie, Denise, Ronald, and Louise Jane, all helped with the library's art event. Louise Jane played a larger role in this story. Charles the library cat was on hand to greet the guests. Lucy's cousin Josie, catered both of the events. All are available to help Lucy sleuth, either by her side or covering for her at the library. All these characters are genuine and are developing at a realistic pace. Each book feels like I am catching up with my fun literary friends.
Ms. Gates introduces several new characters in the traveling tour organizers and their entourages. All had a purpose in the story and were each interesting in their own way.
The author plotted out a complicated mystery. Lucy did what she does best, research. She delved into all the suspect's lives to get answers. She meets face-to-face with them as well. I was happy to see they met in public places, but she and Louise Jane took a huge risk that definitely had chilling consequences. I wasn't sure they were going to get out of this one. Would the series end after 11 installments? I trusted that Eva Gates would get our heroine out of the mess she got herself into but I had no idea how she was going to do it. My Kindle was steaming as the pages were flying.
The Stranger in the Library is a brilliant addition to this series. I loved everything about it. From the wonderful lighthouse library to Connor and Lucy's home on the beach, to the Granger House where the real art was displayed. Each place was easily envisioned. Add to that delightful characters and an outstanding mystery with an edge-of-my-seat ending and you have a story worth more than 5 stars. This book receives my Paradise Rating and a spot on my Best Reads List for 2024.
Until next year, Ms. Gates . . .
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
July 11, 2024
Love this series, but I listened to this one, and as someone from NC, the southern accents were terrible, and sporadic. I'll definitely read the next one.
December 7, 2023
The Stranger in the Library is the 11th book in the lighthouse Library mysteries. Lucy organizes an art and history show at the library to coincide with the traveling Art show in town. Unlike the show at the library, this show features some very pricey paintings and has plenty of security as a safeguard. There is lots of tension between the event organizers, a mysterious man interested in Louise Jane, and an angry local artist. Despite all the security, a man is murdered in a shallow fish pond on the grounds. Lucy agrees to help the short staffed police with their investigation. I enjoyed this book, even the larger role of Louise Jane who seemed more likeable than usual. My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for sharing this book with me.
5/5 STARS!!!
5/5 STARS!!!
June 11, 2024
I am a big fan of this series and have read all 11 books. I believe this is the weakest of them all and was a struggle to get through. Too many characters and a slow moving plot that honestly wasn’t interesting to me. I was confused on some of the characters. Joseph was introduced early and then later when he appeared to authenticate the painting he was introduced as if we had never heard of him. I had to backtrack to see if it was the same character. It was. Just odd. Lucy’s involvement with the police was really annoying whereas in previous books it was not. The repetition about George and Robert over and over made the book drag on and on. There is a lot that could have been excised from this book that would not have changed a thing. Sorry. I was so looking forward to this.
August 10, 2024
This was a bit of a challenge to finish, unlike previous entries in the series. There were typos (“I really couldn’t believed that happened”) and other errors (waiter bringing the same drinks to the table twice, Lucy using someone’s “real” name a chapter before it’s even revealed, etc.). I enjoy the setting and characters, however, and hope the next installment will be improved!
June 3, 2024
This book wasn't my cup of tea. I think this book series is best to read in order. I had a hard time connecting with the characters or even caring who died and who did it. I just didn't feel any connection.
June 3, 2024
This is the 11th book in the series, but would work well for new readers, too. I've not read all of the books in this series, but have enjoyed the ones I have read. The main setting of the book is a lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the art scene plays a big role in this book. The library book club's pick for the month, a classic by Patricia Highsmith, may even have a link to the current crimes. I think this is a very clever element of the book.
In The Stranger in the Library, an important exhibit of American Impressionist paintings has come to town and the library is joining in the celebration by hosting their own display of reproductions. Newly married librarian Lucy McNeil is proud of what the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library was able to put together. Things get mysterious when a reproduction painting that only has sentimental value to Lucy's coworker Louise Jane McKaughan and her family, is stolen. Then, one of the organizers of the main art show is killed at the launch party. Is there a connection between these events?
Unlike in some cozy mysteries, the local police chief welcomes Lucy's help in investigating the crime. Sam is short-staffed and knows Lucy's observations have helped solve cases in the past. Lucy's husband, Connor, worries about his wife, but doesn't try to stand in her way. Lucy has an unlikely sleuthing partner this time, Louise Jane, who in the past has been critical of Lucy. This time, Louise Jane has a vested interest in the case since it was her family's painting that was stolen and also because she is developing feelings for a mysterious newcomer that is one of the suspects. Louise Jane can be hard to take, but she has mellowed in this book and I enjoyed seeing her and Lucy team up. The book has some slow parts, but is entertaining as a whole and has a dramatic and satisfying ending.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
In The Stranger in the Library, an important exhibit of American Impressionist paintings has come to town and the library is joining in the celebration by hosting their own display of reproductions. Newly married librarian Lucy McNeil is proud of what the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library was able to put together. Things get mysterious when a reproduction painting that only has sentimental value to Lucy's coworker Louise Jane McKaughan and her family, is stolen. Then, one of the organizers of the main art show is killed at the launch party. Is there a connection between these events?
Unlike in some cozy mysteries, the local police chief welcomes Lucy's help in investigating the crime. Sam is short-staffed and knows Lucy's observations have helped solve cases in the past. Lucy's husband, Connor, worries about his wife, but doesn't try to stand in her way. Lucy has an unlikely sleuthing partner this time, Louise Jane, who in the past has been critical of Lucy. This time, Louise Jane has a vested interest in the case since it was her family's painting that was stolen and also because she is developing feelings for a mysterious newcomer that is one of the suspects. Louise Jane can be hard to take, but she has mellowed in this book and I enjoyed seeing her and Lucy team up. The book has some slow parts, but is entertaining as a whole and has a dramatic and satisfying ending.
I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 3, 2024
What's better than a library in a lighthouse? An art show in a library in a lighthouse!!! Lucy and crew are putting on a fabulous art show including books on the artists and artwork that also helps introduce an art show being put on by the town art guild that has original artwork from the artists. Once again, the library crew are put in the middle of the mystery when one of the reproductions at the library is stolen and later when a body appears on the scene! Can Lucy and crew solve the puzzle before more bodies drop or the killer skips away at the end of the art show? This series is well written with witty dialogue, detailed mysteries and great characters! This book once again showcases the author's skill at crafting an entertaining and intriguing mystery with lovable characters! I'm just sad that I am back to waiting for the author to give us another book in the series! I always read these stories way too fast!
May 30, 2024
I did not see that coming at all. Mind you, I was so caught up with all the hijinks Lucy and Louise Jane kept getting pulled into that I wasn’t paying nearly as much attention to the mysteries as I normally do. I enjoyed that so much. It reminded me a bit of some of my favorite heist stories; the ones with a “good” bad guy that you just can’t help but cheer for in spite of yourself. I also had a lot of fun catching up with all the series regulars and learning new things about several of them. And now, with where this book leaves off, I’m more curious than ever about where the author is going to take us in the future.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
April 14, 2024
Returning to this series is like going home. Familiar characters and setting. And speaking of characters - my favourite character in this series, Louise Jane, has big events occurring in this book. And by the end, I was wondering what it would mean for her. That was a big cliffhanger!
This is both a murder mystery and an art mystery. Our library (yes, since this is the 11th book, it is our library) is hosting an art show of sorts. Louise Jane's grandmother lends a painting for the show, and with all the focus on that painting you just know it will be key in the book. But that's all I'll say. There's also a cast of new characters, probably all only for this book, who add to the story. They're written well, and many have big personalities.
While there is a murder, I enjoyed the art mystery more, because it felt more like a treasure hunt, and I enjoy when that happens in mysteries. What made it more enjoyable is it throws Louise Jane and Lucy together more, and you just get the feeling they are becoming good friends in this series now. Of course, Louise Jane still tries to find ways to hold a seance, but that's just one of the things that makes her my favourite in these books.
Another standout is the eccentric local artist who demands his artwork by adored by millions. When he first appeared, I was in two minds - it was going to be a disaster or be brilliant. It ended up being a brilliant choice in the book and really well written. Eva Gates took the risk and we get to read the reward!
A fun read - and I do recommend reading this series from book one. I guess you can read this as a standalone, but there are many characters connections that will make more sense with knowledge of prior books.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
This is both a murder mystery and an art mystery. Our library (yes, since this is the 11th book, it is our library) is hosting an art show of sorts. Louise Jane's grandmother lends a painting for the show, and with all the focus on that painting you just know it will be key in the book. But that's all I'll say. There's also a cast of new characters, probably all only for this book, who add to the story. They're written well, and many have big personalities.
While there is a murder, I enjoyed the art mystery more, because it felt more like a treasure hunt, and I enjoy when that happens in mysteries. What made it more enjoyable is it throws Louise Jane and Lucy together more, and you just get the feeling they are becoming good friends in this series now. Of course, Louise Jane still tries to find ways to hold a seance, but that's just one of the things that makes her my favourite in these books.
Another standout is the eccentric local artist who demands his artwork by adored by millions. When he first appeared, I was in two minds - it was going to be a disaster or be brilliant. It ended up being a brilliant choice in the book and really well written. Eva Gates took the risk and we get to read the reward!
A fun read - and I do recommend reading this series from book one. I guess you can read this as a standalone, but there are many characters connections that will make more sense with knowledge of prior books.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.
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