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Lighthouse Library Mystery #7
A Death Long Overdue
When her former director is found dead in the water, librarian Lucy Richardson will have to get to the bottom of the mystery before the killer ends her tale.
It's summertime in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bertie James's college class is having their 40th anniversary reunion. The opening night reception is held at the Lighthouse Library and Lucy and her colleagues have assembled an exhibit of library artifacts showing how libraries have changed over the years. After the reception, some of the women take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier, using flashlights to illuminate the dark path, but what's scarier than the dark is finding the former director of the Lighthouse Library floating lifeless in the water.
Helena Sanchez, the former director, wasn't much loved and spent the party being rude to almost everyone there. As a result, Lucy finds herself in deep water as she rocks the boat, questioning several suspects. But she'll have to batten down the hatches and fast before she's left high and dry...and right in the killer's crosshairs.
It's summertime in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bertie James's college class is having their 40th anniversary reunion. The opening night reception is held at the Lighthouse Library and Lucy and her colleagues have assembled an exhibit of library artifacts showing how libraries have changed over the years. After the reception, some of the women take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier, using flashlights to illuminate the dark path, but what's scarier than the dark is finding the former director of the Lighthouse Library floating lifeless in the water.
Helena Sanchez, the former director, wasn't much loved and spent the party being rude to almost everyone there. As a result, Lucy finds herself in deep water as she rocks the boat, questioning several suspects. But she'll have to batten down the hatches and fast before she's left high and dry...and right in the killer's crosshairs.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
April 30, 2023
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the 7th book in A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. This series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I really loved being back at the lighthouse library. The characters feel like really people which I love in a book. I love Connor...Who in this book try to ask Lucy a big question through out this whole book. I really feel this is a series you need to read in order. The books has a lot of story line that connects. Loved this book so much. I cannot say much about the plot because this is book 7, but this book is trying the solve what an old book as to do with a murder. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2020
This was a great easy read, with an interesting setting, fun characters and a good story.
I love the library in a lighthouse and wish I could borrow books there! Lucy, the main character, lives and works in the lighthouse, with a beautiful view of the sea. What a charmed life. Oh and she has a very smart cat called Charles too. I want to be her.
The mystery was clever. There were many possible choices for the murderer and I did not guess who it was until right at the end. I enjoyed Lucy's relationship with the police. It was reasonable and she never did anything really foolish on her own which made a restful change from some cosies.
Altogether a well written and enjoyable book. I intend to keep reading this series.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I love the library in a lighthouse and wish I could borrow books there! Lucy, the main character, lives and works in the lighthouse, with a beautiful view of the sea. What a charmed life. Oh and she has a very smart cat called Charles too. I want to be her.
The mystery was clever. There were many possible choices for the murderer and I did not guess who it was until right at the end. I enjoyed Lucy's relationship with the police. It was reasonable and she never did anything really foolish on her own which made a restful change from some cosies.
Altogether a well written and enjoyable book. I intend to keep reading this series.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 15, 2022
A Death Long Overdue is the 7th Lighthouse Library Mystery written by Eva Gates, and I've read all the earlier ones in this series. I've also read most of the author's books in her other series written as Vicki Delany. In this installment, Bertie, the library director, holds a 40th reunion for her former classmates from library school in their Outer Banks, North Carolina town. She unexpectedly runs into the previous library director who's back in town for a brief trip, and soon after the first event, the woman is found dead in a nearby marsh. Lucy, our ~30ish protagonist, must solve the case once again. I enjoyed this one very much, especially given the use of twin sisters, a haunted séance, and an event that took place decades ago having an impact on today. What could it be about? As the clues unfold, it becomes clear why the person was murdered, but not which woman did it. There was a giant leap forward for Lucy's personal life, and Louise Jane stole the show, as she always does. Sometimes she can be a tad irritating, but in this one, she was well balanced. Looking forward to the next one soon.
October 25, 2020
A fun, easy and light read. I loved the whole library within a lighthouse setting! I love books and libraries (duhhh!) and I have always been fascinated by lighthouses so having them both combined as a place and setting in a book was like a fantasy put on paper. The plot was good and I loved all the characters, especially Charles the cat. I like how animals are given a distinct personality of their own in cosy mysteries--they are like proper characters instead of being mere pets. This is the first book I have read by this author as well as in the series although it is the 7th in the series and I didn't find it hard to follow at all. What's more, I have found another cosy series that I want to catch up with!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Eva Gates for the e-Arc of the book. The book was published on 6th October 2020.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Eva Gates for the e-Arc of the book. The book was published on 6th October 2020.
October 11, 2020
"A Death Long Overdue" the 7th instalment in the "A Lighthouse Library" Mystery series by Eva Gates. I really enjoyed this book!
This is the 2nd book I have read in the series but I had no trouble following along. I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several books in my TBR pile. In fact I am now a fan girl for Vicki Delany/Eva Gates and bought a few books in her other series too.
The setting of the Bodie Island Lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of N.C. is a dream location that I would really love to go to. I could picture it in my mind from the descriptions which really helps make it come to life in your mind.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. Lucy, her cousin, Bertie and her adorable cat Charles make a good team. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I enjoyed the sub-story with Connor too.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover 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 is the 2nd book I have read in the series but I had no trouble following along. I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several books in my TBR pile. In fact I am now a fan girl for Vicki Delany/Eva Gates and bought a few books in her other series too.
The setting of the Bodie Island Lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of N.C. is a dream location that I would really love to go to. I could picture it in my mind from the descriptions which really helps make it come to life in your mind.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. Lucy, her cousin, Bertie and her adorable cat Charles make a good team. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I enjoyed the sub-story with Connor too.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover 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.
May 22, 2020
The head librarian in this Outer Banks seaside lighthouse brings together her old friends from college and on a whim invites a cranky retired librarian who once worked there. All were having fun, including the overbearing self centered volunteer theoretically helping with refreshments who decides that all need to go out for a walk in the dark for whatever misguided reason. It could have gone well anyway except that the odd librarian wound up dead in the marsh. And it turned out to be murder. Lucy is the assistant librarian with the mayor for her boyfriend, an apartment in this same lighthouse, a good relationship with the local law, and a talent for sleuthing. No apparent motive, odd clues, and a possible tie to a priceless necklace gone missing twenty-five years earlier make it really different. Great read in a fun series that doesn't require reading in sequence!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
November 17, 2020
A well done cozy mystery series! What's not to like? A fantastic setting in the Outer Banks, a library in a lighthouse, an apartment above the library with a spectacular view and a live in library cat, a cousin who own a pastry shop, and a hunky boyfriend who is the town mayor! The mystery plot actually took a back seat in my opinion. The unveiling of the culprit was almost Scooby Doo-ish!
October 19, 2020
I always love visiting the Lighthouse Library. This time we met Bertie's predecessor who wasn't a very nice person, so what happened wasn't a real shocker. The hunt for the killer was a good one with plenty of good red herrings. I think Sam let Lucy help more in this book than any other so far. Louise Jane wasn't quite as obnoxious as she was once, but she was still a handful that Bertie sometimes had to reign in.
The setup at the end to trap the killer was great and led to a quick but exciting showdown. What happened after that was amazing! It's great how this series never just solves the case and ends like quite a few other books have done. There's always closure and plenty of explanations going on even to what might have seemed trivial at the time. I can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The setup at the end to trap the killer was great and led to a quick but exciting showdown. What happened after that was amazing! It's great how this series never just solves the case and ends like quite a few other books have done. There's always closure and plenty of explanations going on even to what might have seemed trivial at the time. I can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
April 17, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Library Director Bertie James’ is hosting a reunion to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her college class at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Lucy, Charlene, and Ronald have all agreed to be servers of the wonderful food Josie is providing. Louise Jane is there too but it definitely not to serve food. Lucy and Charlene have pulled together old library items for a display to represent how libraries have changed over the years. All the attendees except one love the display. Special guest Helena Sanchez, former director of the Lighthouse Library, finds something disturbing among the artifacts.
After the event, several members of the group decide to take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier where Louise Jane starts telling one of her ghost stories. When they reach the pier there is something floating in the water. Lucy realizes it’s Helena Sanchez. She and Ronald quickly jump in to try to save her but the former director is gone.
Lucy is just haunted by the death and finds herself delving deep into the investigation. Doing so puts her front and center on the killer’s radar. Will she get the whole story or will her own book end several chapters before it is supposed to??
Truly one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery series, it took cancer to keep me from reading and reviewing this book when it was originally released. I timed my review now to coincide with the paperback release this week.
I love the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is a fantastic place that can truly only exist in our imaginations as no real lighthouse could hold all the books, treasures, rooms, offices, and Lucy’s Aerie apartment. As soon as you understand the mystery of the place you will be able to enjoy every wonderful event there to the fullest.
Ms. Gates has created wonderful characters. The librarians are truly like family and I love the way they all pitched in to make Bertie’s classmates welcome. I really appreciate the way the characters continue to grow and evolve in each new story. Connor really impressed me this time. That man has the patience of a saint.
The mystery this time was especially intriguing. The victim was rude and very unlikeable from the get-go and it seems she made her share of enemies in her not so illustrious life. This means plenty of suspects for the police and Lucy to wade through. A few people were floating in my suspect pool immediately but some terrific twists eliminated every one of them. I loved Lucy’s idea for revealing the real culprit and all the clues that brought the killer into clear focus. Ms. Gates sure knows how to spin a tale that keeps her readers on their toes.
A special subplot had me holding my breath a few times. When that was allowed to play out I let out a huge exhale and was grinning ear to ear.
I really enjoyed the trip back in time regarding libraries. Back in the day, the local library was one of my favorite places so I was very familiar with all the old relic artifacts that were part of the library’s history.
A Death Long Overdue was such a fun read. The next book in the series, Deadly Ever After, hits shelves on May 11. The only good thing about reading and reviewing this book late is the short time I have to wait for the next installment. Stay tuned for my review next month!
Library Director Bertie James’ is hosting a reunion to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her college class at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Lucy, Charlene, and Ronald have all agreed to be servers of the wonderful food Josie is providing. Louise Jane is there too but it definitely not to serve food. Lucy and Charlene have pulled together old library items for a display to represent how libraries have changed over the years. All the attendees except one love the display. Special guest Helena Sanchez, former director of the Lighthouse Library, finds something disturbing among the artifacts.
After the event, several members of the group decide to take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier where Louise Jane starts telling one of her ghost stories. When they reach the pier there is something floating in the water. Lucy realizes it’s Helena Sanchez. She and Ronald quickly jump in to try to save her but the former director is gone.
Lucy is just haunted by the death and finds herself delving deep into the investigation. Doing so puts her front and center on the killer’s radar. Will she get the whole story or will her own book end several chapters before it is supposed to??
Truly one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery series, it took cancer to keep me from reading and reviewing this book when it was originally released. I timed my review now to coincide with the paperback release this week.
I love the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is a fantastic place that can truly only exist in our imaginations as no real lighthouse could hold all the books, treasures, rooms, offices, and Lucy’s Aerie apartment. As soon as you understand the mystery of the place you will be able to enjoy every wonderful event there to the fullest.
Ms. Gates has created wonderful characters. The librarians are truly like family and I love the way they all pitched in to make Bertie’s classmates welcome. I really appreciate the way the characters continue to grow and evolve in each new story. Connor really impressed me this time. That man has the patience of a saint.
The mystery this time was especially intriguing. The victim was rude and very unlikeable from the get-go and it seems she made her share of enemies in her not so illustrious life. This means plenty of suspects for the police and Lucy to wade through. A few people were floating in my suspect pool immediately but some terrific twists eliminated every one of them. I loved Lucy’s idea for revealing the real culprit and all the clues that brought the killer into clear focus. Ms. Gates sure knows how to spin a tale that keeps her readers on their toes.
A special subplot had me holding my breath a few times. When that was allowed to play out I let out a huge exhale and was grinning ear to ear.
I really enjoyed the trip back in time regarding libraries. Back in the day, the local library was one of my favorite places so I was very familiar with all the old relic artifacts that were part of the library’s history.
A Death Long Overdue was such a fun read. The next book in the series, Deadly Ever After, hits shelves on May 11. The only good thing about reading and reviewing this book late is the short time I have to wait for the next installment. Stay tuned for my review next month!
May 28, 2020
A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates was both engaging and entertaining from the first page. I do love visiting the Bodie Lighthouse and catching up with old friends. Lucy, Josie, Aunt Ellen, Uncle Amos,Bertie, Connor, Charlene and Ronald have all become "real" to me thanks to Ms. Gates' writing.
With a well crafted plot that kept me turning the pages, red herrings that totally lured me away, a few twists that kept me guessing completely until the reveal, I couldn't have been happier spending time with this book. I did love Lucy's total cluelessness about Connor's actions though. It made me laugh at each interaction because I just "knew" what he was leading up to each time. I'm ready to go back to Nag's Head right now.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
With a well crafted plot that kept me turning the pages, red herrings that totally lured me away, a few twists that kept me guessing completely until the reveal, I couldn't have been happier spending time with this book. I did love Lucy's total cluelessness about Connor's actions though. It made me laugh at each interaction because I just "knew" what he was leading up to each time. I'm ready to go back to Nag's Head right now.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 27, 2021
Very easy to figure out who did the murder but it’s always fun to read this series
October 1, 2020
What a fun read! This new addition to the Lighthouse Library Mystery series is a great story to unravel and find the killer of a visitor to the Lighthouse Library where a reunion of Director Bertie James' college class is having a weekend get together. Former director of the library, Helena Sanchez, happens to be in town at the time of the reunion and Bertie includes her. On the first night reception at the library, most of the ladies have left but a few decide to take a walk through the marsh nearby via the boardwalk. Unfortunately, Helena wounds up in the water when no one is around and it is discovered that she was killed. A small cut on the back of her neck indicates that she was stabbed with a small object, maybe a letter opener like one on a display inside the library put together by Assistant Director Lucy Richardson and fellow librarian Carlene for the ladies. Lucy decides to do her own investigation as well as being helping Detective Sam Watson. They have quite a pool of suspects to weed through. Helena was not a popular person with those who remember her before she left the library. Some of the ladies visiting for the reunion knew her while others did not. Another surprise in the mix is Tina Ledbetter, Helena's twin sister who also did not care for Helena. This is a page turner that kept me guessing to the end, not necessarily the killer, but the motive.
On the other hand, Mayor Connor O'Neil, Lucy's boyfriend, has something up his sleeve but keeps getting interrupted. Hmm.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
On the other hand, Mayor Connor O'Neil, Lucy's boyfriend, has something up his sleeve but keeps getting interrupted. Hmm.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
March 17, 2021
4 1/2 stars
October 23, 2021
“Perhaps I’ve read too many mystery novels.” “One can never read too many mystery novels”.
This, book seven, and my fifth in this cozy library series, does not disappoint. The characters are now familiar, in a wonderful multi facet way. The characters continue to develop, yet remain faithful to what the readers of this series has come to love. The main character, The Light House, is lovely, as always. Changes do happen to these familiar characters, there is a murder mystery, and enough continues to happen to make me want to read more. Next!
This, book seven, and my fifth in this cozy library series, does not disappoint. The characters are now familiar, in a wonderful multi facet way. The characters continue to develop, yet remain faithful to what the readers of this series has come to love. The main character, The Light House, is lovely, as always. Changes do happen to these familiar characters, there is a murder mystery, and enough continues to happen to make me want to read more. Next!
June 23, 2020
Bertie's having a class reunion with friends she hasn't seen in 20 years and the entire Lighthouse Library is jumping into action to make sure that she has a good time with her friends. However when the former librarian from the Lighthouse shows up, things go downhill in a hurry as once again Lucy stumbles over a body and gets drawn into an investigation that is as confusing as ever. I love the layered plot of the mystery as well as the personal lives of the characters becoming entwined. This book really made my heart sing, but you'll have to read to find out as I'll not reveal any spoilers. You don't have to read the entire series to enjoy this book, but you will be missing out on hours of entertainment, wit and backstory if you deny yourself the pleasure of the entire series! I absolutely can't wait for what comes next in this series!!!
September 22, 2022
3,5 Sterne
Bibliotheksdirektorin Bertie veranstaltet in der Leuchtturm-Bibliothek ein Jahrgangstreffen mit ihren ehemaligen Mitstudentinnen. Zufällig taucht auch ihre Vorgängerin Helena auf, die schon immer die Kunst perfektioniert hatte, allen Leuten auf den Schlips zu treten. Kein Wunder also, dass sie den Abend nicht überlebt... Lucy ermittelt, mehr oder weniger unterstützt von Geisterseherin Louise Jane, ihren Kollegen und Freunden. Doch nicht nur der Mordfall wirbelt Lucys Leben wieder mal durcheinander, auch privat geht es mit Bürgermeister Connor in eine neue Beziehungsphase.
Endlich findet die Serie zu ihrer alten Stärke zurück. Der Fokus auf die Bibliothek, den Kriminalfall und die Ermittlungen tut dem Buch sehr gut. Lucy und die anderen Charaktere entwickeln sich weiter und ganz besonders unterhaltsam war Louise Jane mit ihren Geistesgeschichten. Ich bin gespannt, wie es weitergeht, ob Lucy in der Leuchtturm-Bibliothek bleibt und was wird dann aus Charles?
Bibliotheksdirektorin Bertie veranstaltet in der Leuchtturm-Bibliothek ein Jahrgangstreffen mit ihren ehemaligen Mitstudentinnen. Zufällig taucht auch ihre Vorgängerin Helena auf, die schon immer die Kunst perfektioniert hatte, allen Leuten auf den Schlips zu treten. Kein Wunder also, dass sie den Abend nicht überlebt... Lucy ermittelt, mehr oder weniger unterstützt von Geisterseherin Louise Jane, ihren Kollegen und Freunden. Doch nicht nur der Mordfall wirbelt Lucys Leben wieder mal durcheinander, auch privat geht es mit Bürgermeister Connor in eine neue Beziehungsphase.
Endlich findet die Serie zu ihrer alten Stärke zurück. Der Fokus auf die Bibliothek, den Kriminalfall und die Ermittlungen tut dem Buch sehr gut. Lucy und die anderen Charaktere entwickeln sich weiter und ganz besonders unterhaltsam war Louise Jane mit ihren Geistesgeschichten. Ich bin gespannt, wie es weitergeht, ob Lucy in der Leuchtturm-Bibliothek bleibt und was wird dann aus Charles?
July 18, 2022
Good addition to the series! A huge step forward in Lucy and Connor’s relationship. In the meantime, Lucy and the gang are at it again trying to solve the murder of the former Library Director, the cold case disappearance of a former handyman and a possible jewelry heist.
October 4, 2020
I was truly surprised when the previous book in this series ended up being a 4 star read - I had given up on this series ever going anywhere positive and had determined that it was going to be my last one. Surprises abounded and it ended up being an excellent read and I really started to liking the series [I had liked the first one, the next few were just...not...fantastic]. My biggest fear was that it was a one up and that the writing was going to go back to what it had been in the beginning. Thankfully, I was very wrong. Once again, this was a very good read.
I have to say that Lucy has grown on me. I was not a huge fan of her in the beginning, but really loved all the other characters [except for Louise Jane, and really, does ANYONE like Louise Jane? I think no] and figured she'd grow on me. And she has. She is good at what she does in the library [And she actually DOES HER JOB], she loves books and all that reading them provides people, she is extremely loyal, and she has become quite a detective in her own right [all while acknowledging that she is not happy that she now knows this stuff and regrets that she once again has to pull this knowledge out to be put the test]. I do have to say that when it comes to Connor, she is a bit dim [eye roll], but as I am totally clueless when it comes to men, I really try and give a little grace there [even while yelling at her a couple of times in this book LOL].
The mystery was good - I had a glimmer of an idea early on, but it didn't dampen the reveal and the why. Bitterness and anger unchecked is never a good combination in anyone and there is a lesson in this one. As is the lesson of just because someone has what you deem the perfect life, doesn't mean that their life is perfect nor does it mean its the best or correct path. I liked how there were these two important lessons woven throughout the story and hope that people pick up on them as they read this. Everyone needs these reminders once in a while.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that Lucy has grown on me. I was not a huge fan of her in the beginning, but really loved all the other characters [except for Louise Jane, and really, does ANYONE like Louise Jane? I think no] and figured she'd grow on me. And she has. She is good at what she does in the library [And she actually DOES HER JOB], she loves books and all that reading them provides people, she is extremely loyal, and she has become quite a detective in her own right [all while acknowledging that she is not happy that she now knows this stuff and regrets that she once again has to pull this knowledge out to be put the test]. I do have to say that when it comes to Connor, she is a bit dim [eye roll], but as I am totally clueless when it comes to men, I really try and give a little grace there [even while yelling at her a couple of times in this book LOL].
The mystery was good - I had a glimmer of an idea early on, but it didn't dampen the reveal and the why. Bitterness and anger unchecked is never a good combination in anyone and there is a lesson in this one. As is the lesson of just because someone has what you deem the perfect life, doesn't mean that their life is perfect nor does it mean its the best or correct path. I liked how there were these two important lessons woven throughout the story and hope that people pick up on them as they read this. Everyone needs these reminders once in a while.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2020
This is one of my favorite series. Although this is part of a series, it can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone. This book grabbed my attention almost from the first page. The mystery is well-plotted with twists and turns to keep me guessing. The characters feel like they are old friends. They are likable, relatable, and realistic. The secondary story between Lucy and Conner was humorous as Conner's plans kept getting interrupted. The result of the secondary storyline gives me; even more, to look forward to in the next book.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
July 14, 2020
As a long time fan of this series, I have loved each book, but A Death Long Overdue is my favorite! Lucy and the crew are helping Bertie, (the library director) host a reunion of Bodie Library staff. Unfortunately, the reunion starts with the murder of an unpopular retired director. Lucy has to figure out "whodidit" before the reunion ends and a murderer may go free!
This book has it all - murder, mystery, humor, romance, friendship and of course, Charles the library "boss"! I enjoyed the pace of the mystery and the backstories of the former staff. The current staff helps Lucy solve the mystery - actually two mysteries - 1)the murder and 2) the theft of a valuable necklace some 25 years ago. The descriptions of the ocean, lighthouse, beaches and town are charming and make the reader feel as if they are right there, helping solve the mystery.
I'm looking forward to the next book! I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book has it all - murder, mystery, humor, romance, friendship and of course, Charles the library "boss"! I enjoyed the pace of the mystery and the backstories of the former staff. The current staff helps Lucy solve the mystery - actually two mysteries - 1)the murder and 2) the theft of a valuable necklace some 25 years ago. The descriptions of the ocean, lighthouse, beaches and town are charming and make the reader feel as if they are right there, helping solve the mystery.
I'm looking forward to the next book! I received an ARC from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 10, 2020
So much fun to visit the Lighthouse Library and the characters. I would love to live in a town with people like this. Not that everyone is as sweet as Josie's pastries; if they were there would be no mystery. The mystery was well plotted with surprises and enough suspects to keep it interesting.
There was a funny minor story line between Connor and Lucy. It was sweet and will change things. I felt a bit old when they described some library materials, from the 1990s that I remember growing up, they were using in a museum exhibit. Lots of libraries were still using card catalogs in the 1990s.
A fun story and a good continuing series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a impartial review.
There was a funny minor story line between Connor and Lucy. It was sweet and will change things. I felt a bit old when they described some library materials, from the 1990s that I remember growing up, they were using in a museum exhibit. Lots of libraries were still using card catalogs in the 1990s.
A fun story and a good continuing series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for a impartial review.
September 3, 2020
A college reunion of library majors, a check-out slip from an old book, and a murder on the beach near the lighthouse combine with a 25 year old mystery of a missing man and a multi-million dollar necklace also missing at the same time from a wealthy Nags Head home--all combine for another great installment in the Lighthouse Library series.
The plot is interesting and I really like the family drama of the twins. There were a lot of hints about Lucy outgrowing the lighthouse so I hope this isn't the last of this wonderful series. The author does a wonderful job describing the area. If you are ever in the Outer Banks, the Bodie Lighthouse is a must see.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
The plot is interesting and I really like the family drama of the twins. There were a lot of hints about Lucy outgrowing the lighthouse so I hope this isn't the last of this wonderful series. The author does a wonderful job describing the area. If you are ever in the Outer Banks, the Bodie Lighthouse is a must see.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
December 3, 2020
While this is the most current book in the series, I wanted to read all the books leading up to it so I got them from the library and quickly read through them.
I really enjoyed the series to date and "A Death Long Overdue" was one of the most creative of the group! The plot was so much fun and the characters were amazing!
I am certainly ready for the next book in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
I really enjoyed the series to date and "A Death Long Overdue" was one of the most creative of the group! The plot was so much fun and the characters were amazing!
I am certainly ready for the next book in the series! Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
October 29, 2020
I enjoy this series. I like the idea of a library in a lighthouse, especially with Lucy's apartment on the top floor. The characters are interesting individuals and realistic. This current murder mystery has ties with events from twenty years in the past. I didn't guess the outcome, so that was a plus. I always look forward to the next book to see what happens next to my "friends."
October 4, 2020
It is July in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and I am excited to be back at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library with Lucy, Charles, and her friends and co-workers. Charles is the library cat who lives in the Lighthouse Aerie (top floor apartment) with Lucy. I have loved this series from the start, and this mystery is the best so far. The characters are engaging and three-dimensional, there are beautiful descriptives of the island and Lighthouse Library, and the mystery challenging. There is a healthy helping of LOL humor, too!
Lucy spent many summers on Bodie Island during her childhood. For Lucy, being with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Josie was her happy place. When she had to get away from adult life in Boston, it seemed natural to come here. Not only did she find a job that she loves – Assistant Director at the Lighthouse Library – but she also found her true love. Connor, with whom she had a sweet teenage romance with many summers ago.
Bertie, the library director, has the 40th reunion celebrating the first day of their undergraduate classes for fellow librarians to attend. The reception is being held at the Lighthouse Library. The surprise attendee is Helena, who retired as director of the library when Bertie replaced her ten years ago. Bertie invited Helena, never dreaming that she would attend. Helena was an excellent librarian but not a people person; most people didn’t like her. This evening, it was evident why. With the exception of Bertie, Helena was abrupt and at times rude to fellow librarians past and present.
Louise Jane, “LJ”, imagines she knows more than everyone else about Bodie Island’s history, particularly its ghosts and folk lore. When one of the ladies attending the reception learned about LJ’s knowledge of the island and ability to communicate with spirits, she wanted to have a walk down to the marsh near the library. Several of the women who were riding together went on the walk, as did Helena and Lucy. On the walk, they heard what sounded like a splash, then someone thought they saw a crocodile until realizing it was a body. Sadly, it was too late to help Helena.
Helena’s death was learned to be murder, and because it did not happen on library property, Lucy did not get involved. At first. As she began to hear stories about Helena’s life on Bodie Island and a huge theft that happened during the time she was there, she became curious. LJ got involved in her own way, wanting to do a séance to find out what the spirits knew about Helena’s murder.
There are so many great things in this mystery! Meeting Bertie’s classmates was enlightening, as was meeting Helena’s identical twin sister. LJ can be a pain in the best of times, but she is good for much comic relief. Descriptives of the library and island made me wish the library and “aerie” were real! I love Lucy’s fanciful imagination regarding books in the library and the characters within them. Charles is quite the helpful, delightful library cat! The mystery is fabulous, and it was impossible for me to guess more than part of the solution. Whodunit was not a surprise, but the depth of deception surely was. I highly recommend this novel for fans of well-executed cozy mysteries, cats, libraries, and lighthouses.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Lucy spent many summers on Bodie Island during her childhood. For Lucy, being with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Josie was her happy place. When she had to get away from adult life in Boston, it seemed natural to come here. Not only did she find a job that she loves – Assistant Director at the Lighthouse Library – but she also found her true love. Connor, with whom she had a sweet teenage romance with many summers ago.
Bertie, the library director, has the 40th reunion celebrating the first day of their undergraduate classes for fellow librarians to attend. The reception is being held at the Lighthouse Library. The surprise attendee is Helena, who retired as director of the library when Bertie replaced her ten years ago. Bertie invited Helena, never dreaming that she would attend. Helena was an excellent librarian but not a people person; most people didn’t like her. This evening, it was evident why. With the exception of Bertie, Helena was abrupt and at times rude to fellow librarians past and present.
Louise Jane, “LJ”, imagines she knows more than everyone else about Bodie Island’s history, particularly its ghosts and folk lore. When one of the ladies attending the reception learned about LJ’s knowledge of the island and ability to communicate with spirits, she wanted to have a walk down to the marsh near the library. Several of the women who were riding together went on the walk, as did Helena and Lucy. On the walk, they heard what sounded like a splash, then someone thought they saw a crocodile until realizing it was a body. Sadly, it was too late to help Helena.
Helena’s death was learned to be murder, and because it did not happen on library property, Lucy did not get involved. At first. As she began to hear stories about Helena’s life on Bodie Island and a huge theft that happened during the time she was there, she became curious. LJ got involved in her own way, wanting to do a séance to find out what the spirits knew about Helena’s murder.
There are so many great things in this mystery! Meeting Bertie’s classmates was enlightening, as was meeting Helena’s identical twin sister. LJ can be a pain in the best of times, but she is good for much comic relief. Descriptives of the library and island made me wish the library and “aerie” were real! I love Lucy’s fanciful imagination regarding books in the library and the characters within them. Charles is quite the helpful, delightful library cat! The mystery is fabulous, and it was impossible for me to guess more than part of the solution. Whodunit was not a surprise, but the depth of deception surely was. I highly recommend this novel for fans of well-executed cozy mysteries, cats, libraries, and lighthouses.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
October 5, 2020
A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates is the 7th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. The author has created a great cast of characters which includes Lucy, Connor, Bertie, Charlene, Ronald, Aunt Ellen, Josie, and Charles. They feel like old friends. I like catching up with all of them even Louise Jane. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is a magical place. I can envision the library thanks to the authors vivid word imagery. I just love Lucy’s adorable little apartment. The mystery was intriguing. I thought it was well-plotted with interesting details. There are a variety of suspects along with good clues and a red herring or two. It was fun following along in the investigation and seeing how it all came together. I enjoyed the library exhibit that included a card catalog, library withdrawal cards (the card you signed when you checked out the book), and a Commodore 64 (I had a Commodore 64C). The ending will have fans of the series smiling (I wish I could say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). A Death Long Overdue is a delightful cozy mystery with a card catalog, a discourteous former library director, a disrupted reunion, a curious cat, and a forbearing beau.
January 23, 2021
This might be my favorite installment to date in this series. Bertie hosts a reunion of her library school classmates at the lighthouse library. She invites the former library director to the library get-together even though she was not part of that particular class. Helena Sanchez while not well-liked modeled efficiency when it came to her library responsibilities, but someone at the get-together wanted her dead. When the group takes a late night walk, a scream is heard and Helena's body is found in the marsh. This book mentions Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone and James Redfield's The Celestine Prophecy, and the plots of both inspired the story. Librarians and library users alike will appreciate the references to the days humans performed library tasks. Lucy, of course, becomes involved in the investigation. Connor keeps unsuccessfully trying to find time alone with Lucy. Right before last spring's lockdown, I visited the Outer Banks and many of the locations in the book. It helped me appreciate the book even more. A great installment in this series!
October 5, 2020
A Death Long Overdue is the seventh book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Lucy Richardson, assistant director of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, helps Bertie, the director, getting the library ready for an anniversary party. The party will mark the 40th anniversary of Bertie starting her college education, and she has invited three of her close school friends to celebrate that day. When Bertie learns that Helena Sanchez, who Bertie replaced at the library, is in town visiting her twin sister, she invites her as a courtesy and to see how the library has changed since she left. Shortly after Bertie’s friends arrive, Helena arrives. Lucy notices that while everyone is chatting with each other, Helena barely gets friendly with most and rude to others.
As the party is about to end, Louise Jane suggests that they take a walk along the boardwalk, and she will try and conjure up some ghosts that she claims inhabit the area. Midway into the hike, Helena announces that she is heading back to the library. On the way back, Lucy discovers the body of Helena. While being sequestered at the library, while the police investigate the crime scene, Lucy notices that a book on display and a letter opener are missing.
Since Lucy can’t resist a mystery, she will call on her sleuthing skills and help the police with their investigation. She will soon learn of the theft of a valuable necklace some twenty-five years ago. Lucy will also find out that all of the people invited to the party were also at a party when the necklace went missing. She wonders if there might be a link between the two.
The story is well-written and plotted. The characters are well developed and believable. Of course, Louise Jane is back, causing problems once again. And poor Connor, the mayor, and Lucy’s boyfriend will try and ask Lucy a question, but something always happens to prevent him from asking.
I will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.
Lucy Richardson, assistant director of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, helps Bertie, the director, getting the library ready for an anniversary party. The party will mark the 40th anniversary of Bertie starting her college education, and she has invited three of her close school friends to celebrate that day. When Bertie learns that Helena Sanchez, who Bertie replaced at the library, is in town visiting her twin sister, she invites her as a courtesy and to see how the library has changed since she left. Shortly after Bertie’s friends arrive, Helena arrives. Lucy notices that while everyone is chatting with each other, Helena barely gets friendly with most and rude to others.
As the party is about to end, Louise Jane suggests that they take a walk along the boardwalk, and she will try and conjure up some ghosts that she claims inhabit the area. Midway into the hike, Helena announces that she is heading back to the library. On the way back, Lucy discovers the body of Helena. While being sequestered at the library, while the police investigate the crime scene, Lucy notices that a book on display and a letter opener are missing.
Since Lucy can’t resist a mystery, she will call on her sleuthing skills and help the police with their investigation. She will soon learn of the theft of a valuable necklace some twenty-five years ago. Lucy will also find out that all of the people invited to the party were also at a party when the necklace went missing. She wonders if there might be a link between the two.
The story is well-written and plotted. The characters are well developed and believable. Of course, Louise Jane is back, causing problems once again. And poor Connor, the mayor, and Lucy’s boyfriend will try and ask Lucy a question, but something always happens to prevent him from asking.
I will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.
November 2, 2020
Bertie is having a reunion of sorts with some former classmates and fellow librarians. Lucy and the other staff members are volunteering as waitstaff, and it’s a fun time at the lighthouse library, at least at first. When a retired director finally shows up, the mood changes, and when an outing on the boardwalk turns deadly, everything changes. Though the director was not well liked, Lucy wants to find out who could have hated her enough to kill her. It’s a great mystery, filled with interesting characters. This series is a fine one, and it just keeps getting better. Read it in order, because much of the pleasure of the books comes from watching the growth of the characters as their lives change.
July 15, 2020
The storyline has a base of mild intrigue and interesting characters, except one, Louise-Jane she was a pain in the tuckus, she gets on my nerve and I can't comprehend her role besides that of being an annoyance. It’s unbelievable what she was able to get away with. I have to say, that this book is a bit on the tame side for my liking, don’t get me wrong it’s okay, it just needs a bit more bite for me. It seems like the only excitement was the ending. In my view, this one was mildly entertaining, not much intrigue you know, more in line like a jigsaw puzzle, and once again I must reiterate that Louise-Jane character isn’t working for me.
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