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Lighthouse Library Mystery #2
Booked for Trouble
The author of By Book or By Crook returns to the Outer Banks and the Lighthouse Library, where Lucy Richardson must shed light on a shocking murder…
Lucy has finally found her bliss as a librarian and resident of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. She loves walking on the beach, passing her evenings with the local book club, bonding with the library cat, Charles, and enjoying the attention of not one, but TWO eligible men. But then her socialite mother, Suzanne, unexpectedly drops in, determined to move Lucy back to Boston—and reunite her with her ex-fiancé.
To make matters worse, Suzanne picks a very public fight at the local hotel with her former classmate Karen Kivas. So, when Karen turns up dead outside the library the next morning, Suzanne is immediately at the top of the suspect list. Now Lucy must hunt down a dangerous killer—before the authorities throw the book at her poor mother…
Lucy has finally found her bliss as a librarian and resident of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. She loves walking on the beach, passing her evenings with the local book club, bonding with the library cat, Charles, and enjoying the attention of not one, but TWO eligible men. But then her socialite mother, Suzanne, unexpectedly drops in, determined to move Lucy back to Boston—and reunite her with her ex-fiancé.
To make matters worse, Suzanne picks a very public fight at the local hotel with her former classmate Karen Kivas. So, when Karen turns up dead outside the library the next morning, Suzanne is immediately at the top of the suspect list. Now Lucy must hunt down a dangerous killer—before the authorities throw the book at her poor mother…
278 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
March 31, 2025
Booked for Trouble is the 2nd book in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries written by Eva Gates, a pseudonym for Vicki Delany, whose books I've read in the past. In this series, Lucy, a ~30ish librarian in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, receives a visit from her wealthy Bostonian mother, who used to live in town. Apparently, she wasn't well liked and caused some problems in high school. Former friends and schoolmates are mixed on her return, and one of them seems to hold a grudge. A body turns up and evidence points to Lucy's mom.
Meanwhile, the library board is actively working against Lucy, claiming she's brought another murder to town. Fighting for both her job and her mother is exhausting, but she has two men (policeman and the mayor) interested in her, and all she wants to do is read, relax, and go to the beach. By the time the dust settles, her mother is cleared, yet things are much more complicated. How will she ever get the library board to trust her judgment and support the lighthouse's aesthetic beauty and charm. They want to turn it into a tourist attraction to make money!
Mystery was good, albeit it only 3 possible suspects. I like the library setting a lot. The setting is settling down too. I will be reading book three soon. Hoping by the next one, there supporting characters are more fleshed out and the town has more depth.
Meanwhile, the library board is actively working against Lucy, claiming she's brought another murder to town. Fighting for both her job and her mother is exhausting, but she has two men (policeman and the mayor) interested in her, and all she wants to do is read, relax, and go to the beach. By the time the dust settles, her mother is cleared, yet things are much more complicated. How will she ever get the library board to trust her judgment and support the lighthouse's aesthetic beauty and charm. They want to turn it into a tourist attraction to make money!
Mystery was good, albeit it only 3 possible suspects. I like the library setting a lot. The setting is settling down too. I will be reading book three soon. Hoping by the next one, there supporting characters are more fleshed out and the town has more depth.
November 16, 2022
The second book in this fun series about a library in a lighthouse. Such a great idea and I wish it was real so I could visit it! Lucy Richardson is one of the librarians and she lives in a small flat in the lighthouse with the library cat, Charles.
In Booked for Trouble Lucy's mother comes to visit and for a variety of reasons becomes the major suspect for the murder of a local resident. Lucy never feels that her local police force can do their job without her help, and of course she is more determined than ever when it is her mother in the crosshairs. Of course she ends up in trouble herself.
This is a well written series with entertaining characters, a good story, a charming setting and a cute cat. Recommended!
In Booked for Trouble Lucy's mother comes to visit and for a variety of reasons becomes the major suspect for the murder of a local resident. Lucy never feels that her local police force can do their job without her help, and of course she is more determined than ever when it is her mother in the crosshairs. Of course she ends up in trouble herself.
This is a well written series with entertaining characters, a good story, a charming setting and a cute cat. Recommended!
August 13, 2022
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the second book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. I have read all the books in this series that is out right now. I have posted a review on most of them. I have to say you need to read the first book in this series before this because this one picks up right from where the first book ended. I really enjoyed the mystery part of this book, but my favorite part of this book is the characters and the lighthouse library. The setting of this book is written so well you can picture it, and I really wish that the library was real. I loved being back in the outer banks with the characters and in this library. I have to say this series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series.
July 21, 2017
A fine mystery with interesting characters, but for me the real draw is the setting. I just love the idea that Lucy can work all day at the library, walk up to the the 4th floor and be home in the same lighthouse with a window seat to read in facing the ocean. Finish a book in the middle of the night, walk down to the library and take your pick. What a dream!
March 14, 2018
A decent next in series, albeit it times it seemed to have editing oddities that didn't quite tie up with what had been said previously.
April 28, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This cover is absolutely gorgeous!!
We return to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library shortly after the last book, By Book or By Crook ends. The Jane Austen books are still on exhibit but the crowds have died down and the Lucy has had time to really settle into her new job. That is until her mother, Suzanne, shows up for a surprise visit intending to convince Lucy to leave the Outer Banks and return to Boston. Her mother’s plans get sidetracked when she runs into a couple of former high school classmates. One seems to forget she is married and wants to date her and another has a few terse words for the socialite. Karen Kivas is now a hotel maid and their little argument just happened in front of a bunch of witnesses. They do make up just a bit at a book club meeting but then the only witness is Lucy. So when Karen’s body is found outside of the library the next morning, Suzanne is the prime suspect. Not one to sit idly by, Lucy checks out every other person that could have wanted the maid dead trying to catch the real killer before her mother is forced to check in to the state prison.
I am so happy I was able to read this book within a week of reading the first book in the series. I had hated for the last book to end so it was pure pleasure to jump right into this one.
Lucy is enjoying her job, but not everyone is still convinced she should have the job. There is even someone that wants to shut down the entire library. The last thing Lucy needs is a surprise visit from her mother, but she will make the best of it and try to get it through to her mother that she is not leaving her job. I loved the addition of Suzanne to this mix of characters. She is really not a friendly woman. She holds herself in very high regard and cannot fathom that she is a murder suspect. Her interactions with Lucy’s friends, co-workers, and other people in her sphere really drives this story in several directions. Some had me scratching my head and others had me laughing out loud. Oh, and, Suzanne is not a cat person, but Charles was not holding back any of his kitty attentions 🙂
The mystery portion of the story had several twists that drew me deeper and deeper into the story. There weren’t too many suspects, but I just couldn’t pin the real culprit down until it was spelled right out for me in the text. Just the way I like it.
Again, the setting of the library in a lighthouse means the reader has to stretch their imagination. The author admits that with an Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, and I had no trouble with that at all. She has created a wonderful masterpiece in the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.
Even with Suzanne’s efforts to curb and romantic notions for Lucy, the romantic triangle between Lucy, the mayor, and the detective continues to press forward. In fact, on the final page of this book, Lucy realizes something that could have her needing to make a big decision. Luckily, the next book, Reading Up A Storm is on my TBR shelf and I hope to be reading it soon.
Another delightful cozy mystery from Eva Gates! I loved it!
This cover is absolutely gorgeous!!
We return to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library shortly after the last book, By Book or By Crook ends. The Jane Austen books are still on exhibit but the crowds have died down and the Lucy has had time to really settle into her new job. That is until her mother, Suzanne, shows up for a surprise visit intending to convince Lucy to leave the Outer Banks and return to Boston. Her mother’s plans get sidetracked when she runs into a couple of former high school classmates. One seems to forget she is married and wants to date her and another has a few terse words for the socialite. Karen Kivas is now a hotel maid and their little argument just happened in front of a bunch of witnesses. They do make up just a bit at a book club meeting but then the only witness is Lucy. So when Karen’s body is found outside of the library the next morning, Suzanne is the prime suspect. Not one to sit idly by, Lucy checks out every other person that could have wanted the maid dead trying to catch the real killer before her mother is forced to check in to the state prison.
I am so happy I was able to read this book within a week of reading the first book in the series. I had hated for the last book to end so it was pure pleasure to jump right into this one.
Lucy is enjoying her job, but not everyone is still convinced she should have the job. There is even someone that wants to shut down the entire library. The last thing Lucy needs is a surprise visit from her mother, but she will make the best of it and try to get it through to her mother that she is not leaving her job. I loved the addition of Suzanne to this mix of characters. She is really not a friendly woman. She holds herself in very high regard and cannot fathom that she is a murder suspect. Her interactions with Lucy’s friends, co-workers, and other people in her sphere really drives this story in several directions. Some had me scratching my head and others had me laughing out loud. Oh, and, Suzanne is not a cat person, but Charles was not holding back any of his kitty attentions 🙂
The mystery portion of the story had several twists that drew me deeper and deeper into the story. There weren’t too many suspects, but I just couldn’t pin the real culprit down until it was spelled right out for me in the text. Just the way I like it.
Again, the setting of the library in a lighthouse means the reader has to stretch their imagination. The author admits that with an Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, and I had no trouble with that at all. She has created a wonderful masterpiece in the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library.
Even with Suzanne’s efforts to curb and romantic notions for Lucy, the romantic triangle between Lucy, the mayor, and the detective continues to press forward. In fact, on the final page of this book, Lucy realizes something that could have her needing to make a big decision. Luckily, the next book, Reading Up A Storm is on my TBR shelf and I hope to be reading it soon.
Another delightful cozy mystery from Eva Gates! I loved it!
December 24, 2020
I love this cozy mystery series, but how could I not? What true book lover hasn’t dreamt of a library loft apartment with a window seat and a lovely view? The mystery was a little obvious in this one but it was a fun story and I enjoyed it immensely. The red herring suspects were a little over the top and obvious. Lucy’s mother has come to visit and seems to be hiding something, but what is obvious is her desire to bring Lucy back to Boston and the life she has planned for her. I love the classic book club and their book choices. I really enjoyed the side mystery of the Grey Woman and the fact that Lucy continued to call her that even after finding out her name. Altogether I’m enjoying this series and look forward to picking up the next one!
February 14, 2016
Booked for Trouble was a good, albeit slow, second in this series. Filled with murder, new fun characters, and a wonderful setting, this book was a solid second.
I think the Outer Banks is one of the most widely used cozy mystery setting there is; I can think of at least three other series besides this one that take place in this same area, and though that may seem repetitive, it isn't. Each author does a wonderful job of spinning their series it's own way and not making the series sound the same. Eva Gates has proven that she, also, has the talent to take an existing setting and make it entirely her own, without sounding like a broken record.
The characters are wonderful; Lucy is the perfect cozy MC. However, there is a love triangle. Why, oh why must authors add love triangles? Especially ones like this one where both love interests are equally good. It's frustrating and really annoying. The mystery was good. It dragged towards the middle, but by the end it picked back up. I had no idea who the killer was, and I was surprised at the end.
Overall a good book. There were a few minor problems, but I'll be reading the next one!
I think the Outer Banks is one of the most widely used cozy mystery setting there is; I can think of at least three other series besides this one that take place in this same area, and though that may seem repetitive, it isn't. Each author does a wonderful job of spinning their series it's own way and not making the series sound the same. Eva Gates has proven that she, also, has the talent to take an existing setting and make it entirely her own, without sounding like a broken record.
The characters are wonderful; Lucy is the perfect cozy MC. However, there is a love triangle. Why, oh why must authors add love triangles? Especially ones like this one where both love interests are equally good. It's frustrating and really annoying. The mystery was good. It dragged towards the middle, but by the end it picked back up. I had no idea who the killer was, and I was surprised at the end.
Overall a good book. There were a few minor problems, but I'll be reading the next one!
February 14, 2019
WHAT. A. STUPID. WAY. TO. END. A. BOOK.
THIS is what comes from stupid asinine love-triangles. STUPID. ENDINGS.
And the think that torques me the most is that you don't know how Lucy resolves her stupid dilemma in the next book [since there is a preview at the end of this book and there is NO FREAKING MENTION of said dilemma]. E R G H!!!!
And while we are at it, can we talk about this obsessive single-mindedness of Police Detective [or chief or whatever he is] Watson? He is obsessed with Lucy and the idea that she is committing crimes right under his nose and I swear would love any and all excuses to lock her up with no trial or evidence. I seriously doubt that ANY police detective, officer or chief in REAL FREAKING LIFE would behave this way and it is INSULTING to the reader to create such a character and assume that we, the reader, will be totally okay with it.
And since I am totally grousing, PLEASE!!! Someone do something to Louise Jane and put us all out of our misery. What a horrible, hideous, cunning, snotty person. She makes my skin crawl. She needs to go the HECK AWAY.
Once the reveal happened and all the truth came out, I liked Lucy's mom a lot more than I did when she first arrived in Bodie. I still think she is rich and pretentious, but I can also see what was driving her and I do believe, that on some level, she missed her daughter. But at least twice during this reading I went and thanked my Mom for NOT being one of "THOSE" kind of moms.
I had no idea who the killer was and that [again] is always refreshing. This was a good lesson in obsession and delusion and how far that will take you. I liked the side mystery of the "gray lady" and all that entailed. And I still like Lucy and her cohorts very much. If we could get rid of Louisa Jane and that blasted love-triangle, these would be really excellent books.
Only three more to go. Sigh.
THIS is what comes from stupid asinine love-triangles. STUPID. ENDINGS.
And the think that torques me the most is that you don't know how Lucy resolves her stupid dilemma in the next book [since there is a preview at the end of this book and there is NO FREAKING MENTION of said dilemma]. E R G H!!!!
And while we are at it, can we talk about this obsessive single-mindedness of Police Detective [or chief or whatever he is] Watson? He is obsessed with Lucy and the idea that she is committing crimes right under his nose and I swear would love any and all excuses to lock her up with no trial or evidence. I seriously doubt that ANY police detective, officer or chief in REAL FREAKING LIFE would behave this way and it is INSULTING to the reader to create such a character and assume that we, the reader, will be totally okay with it.
And since I am totally grousing, PLEASE!!! Someone do something to Louise Jane and put us all out of our misery. What a horrible, hideous, cunning, snotty person. She makes my skin crawl. She needs to go the HECK AWAY.
Once the reveal happened and all the truth came out, I liked Lucy's mom a lot more than I did when she first arrived in Bodie. I still think she is rich and pretentious, but I can also see what was driving her and I do believe, that on some level, she missed her daughter. But at least twice during this reading I went and thanked my Mom for NOT being one of "THOSE" kind of moms.
I had no idea who the killer was and that [again] is always refreshing. This was a good lesson in obsession and delusion and how far that will take you. I liked the side mystery of the "gray lady" and all that entailed. And I still like Lucy and her cohorts very much. If we could get rid of Louisa Jane and that blasted love-triangle, these would be really excellent books.
Only three more to go. Sigh.
December 31, 2023
Lucy's mother, Suzanne, has come to visit and appears to be in some distress as she attempts to convince her daughter to return home to Boston. It's not long before a childhood friend of Suzanne's turns up murdered and Suzanne is the police's prime suspect. Lucy is now on the case to clear her mother's name.
Booked for Trouble is the second in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates. The mystery was a fun one with a couple of obvious suspects for Lucy to sort out. The characters continue to be enjoyable and I liked getting to know Lucy's mom. The setting of the lighthouse library just can't be beat. I'm liking this cozy mystery series. Hopefully I can find the third book soon.
Booked for Trouble is the second in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates. The mystery was a fun one with a couple of obvious suspects for Lucy to sort out. The characters continue to be enjoyable and I liked getting to know Lucy's mom. The setting of the lighthouse library just can't be beat. I'm liking this cozy mystery series. Hopefully I can find the third book soon.
February 24, 2019
Booked For Trouble has us returning to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, where Lucy not only works but lives. The Jane Austen books are still on exhibit but the crowds have died down and Lucy is settling into her new job. The last thing she expects is a visit from her mother Suzanne, who is still trying to convince Lucy to move back home to Boston and give her fiance another chance. Suzanne runs into some old classmates who either love or hate her. When Karen Kivas, the one who hates her, turns up dead in the library parking lot, Suzanne, who had a very public argument with Karen, is the primary suspect. Not one to sit on her hands and allow her mother to be railroaded, Lucy checks out every other person that could have wanted Karen dead. Can she figure out who the perpetrator is before her mother ends up in prison?
I enjoy the characters in this series, especially Lucy's co-workers. They work so well together and enjoy one another's company. As annoying as she is, I love the character of Sarah Jane, she adds humour and some depth to the story. It was nice to find out more about Suzanne and Lucy's background. Suzanne is a rather snotty socialite and does not mix well with those she perceives below her station. It is amazing that Lucy is so down to earth. Her interactions with Lucy’s friends, co-workers, and other people in town add to the story with humour, red herrings and questions. I absolutely love the setting of this series. First of all, who doesn't love the idea of a library in a lighthouse? Lucy living on the top floor of said lighthouse is also interesting. The mystery portion of the story had several twists that drew me into the story. There weren’t too many suspects, but enough that I couldn't figure it out until the reveal, which was quite tense. My one complaint is that I am not a big fan of love triangles. Lucy is dating both the mayor and a detective. There is nothing too serious yet, but I hope it sorts out before it becomes a main storyline that detracts from the mysteries. I do recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers. Eva Gates is a wonderful author and has penned another great mystery.
I listened to the audiobook and although I got used to the narrator, it was difficult to distinguish who was speaking at times. The narration did not include any change of intonation or voice from one character to another. It was more like listening to someone reading me a book, which is fine, although not what I am necessarily looking forward to when I listen to an audiobook.
I enjoy the characters in this series, especially Lucy's co-workers. They work so well together and enjoy one another's company. As annoying as she is, I love the character of Sarah Jane, she adds humour and some depth to the story. It was nice to find out more about Suzanne and Lucy's background. Suzanne is a rather snotty socialite and does not mix well with those she perceives below her station. It is amazing that Lucy is so down to earth. Her interactions with Lucy’s friends, co-workers, and other people in town add to the story with humour, red herrings and questions. I absolutely love the setting of this series. First of all, who doesn't love the idea of a library in a lighthouse? Lucy living on the top floor of said lighthouse is also interesting. The mystery portion of the story had several twists that drew me into the story. There weren’t too many suspects, but enough that I couldn't figure it out until the reveal, which was quite tense. My one complaint is that I am not a big fan of love triangles. Lucy is dating both the mayor and a detective. There is nothing too serious yet, but I hope it sorts out before it becomes a main storyline that detracts from the mysteries. I do recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers. Eva Gates is a wonderful author and has penned another great mystery.
I listened to the audiobook and although I got used to the narrator, it was difficult to distinguish who was speaking at times. The narration did not include any change of intonation or voice from one character to another. It was more like listening to someone reading me a book, which is fine, although not what I am necessarily looking forward to when I listen to an audiobook.
September 15, 2019
Since I'd read a couple of the more recent books in this series, I started at the beginning and was glad to read the second book that gave even more backstory and introduced a character that I'd heard about in the later books. Lucy's mom was a definite piece of work, and as much as Lucy loved her, she had to convince her mom that she wasn't going back to Boston with her. She eventually found out the real reason for her mom's visit and odd behavior.
In this book, Lucy had to worry that her mom was going to get charged with the murder of a woman she'd gone to school with and recently argued with. The police were running out of clues and reasons to keep her mom in town though. The most unlikely person came through in taking down the killer too, which was pretty cool once I read what her real role was and how it ended up. Suffice it to say that a couple of people on the board who wanted to see the library fail failed in getting their way. It was a really satisfying ending and explanation of everything. I definitely hadn't guessed the killer. One more book and I'm caught up for when the next one comes out.
In this book, Lucy had to worry that her mom was going to get charged with the murder of a woman she'd gone to school with and recently argued with. The police were running out of clues and reasons to keep her mom in town though. The most unlikely person came through in taking down the killer too, which was pretty cool once I read what her real role was and how it ended up. Suffice it to say that a couple of people on the board who wanted to see the library fail failed in getting their way. It was a really satisfying ending and explanation of everything. I definitely hadn't guessed the killer. One more book and I'm caught up for when the next one comes out.
July 30, 2022
This series seems pretty decent for the cozy genre but I think it's kind off putting how much this author declares rap music to be the worst genre of music ever. Period, as if she is stating a fact. She did this in the first book too. Of course it's okay to dislike a genre of music but it feels very alienating to mention many times, across multiple books, the clueless coworker with the most terrible taste in music (rap) and how everyone hates it and dreads her playing it at work or making a music recommendation. This character is a joke BECAUSE she likes rap. It feels short sided and alienating. I think the author thinks she's being funny? It just comes off as weirdly exclusionary and does not have a thing to do with plot.
September 23, 2018
This series appears to be a fun cozy series. I have only read #2 & 3, and I read #3 first which had a Halloween theme which I found to be great fun! Eva Gates’ Booked for Trouble ( Lighthouse Library Mystery #2 ) has Lucy’s mom arriving from Boston with the intent to return Lucy to ex-fiancé in Boston, but Lucy loves her apartment in the Bodie Lighthouse and her job as librarian of the Bodie Lighthouse Library. Lucy wants no part of her ex-fiancé, but Mom is not listening. Then as one can imagine a dead body is found outside the Lighthouse Library, and chaos ensues. To top it off Lucy’s mom becomes involved. Just what happens-well, read Booked for Trouble. I am not giving away any secrets. 4 stars
October 29, 2015
I'm still enjoying both the popularity of this fictional lighthouse library and its setting, but I have to be honest and admit that I picked up Booked for Trouble with a bit of trepidation. It's a quirk of mine, but I do not care for high maintenance parents in the cozies that I read, and that's exactly what Lucy's mother is. I am happy to report that although Suzanne is not the type of person to ever become my BFF, that angle of the book was not as bad as I'd anticipated. Whew!
Lucy continues to be an interesting main character, but too many of the secondary characters are two-dimensional. Take Charlene for example. It would appear that her sole reason for existence is to annoy everyone with her passion for rap music-- and she's the only one who really stands out in my mind. The rest are a kind of blur, and I hope book three is the "breakout" book for them. Speaking of breaking out, Lucy's two love interests need to stop spinning their wheels and start making some moves.
Although I enjoyed reading how Lucy finally found the killer, I knew the person's identity early on due to a certain peculiarity in the dialogue. I can be strange that way sometimes. And have any of you noticed that the latest thing in cozies seems to be cross-marketing-- that is, mentioning books by other cozy writers? At least it fits in here because Lucy is a librarian, but I've been noticing it in several books lately. I realize that things like this place a book clearly within its timeframe, but I prefer my books without branding, marketing, or suggestive selling.
Booked for Trouble is a good solid mystery with a winning main character and a perfect setting; however, it needs some of its other components to be fleshed out more so this series can shine the way I know that it can.
Lucy continues to be an interesting main character, but too many of the secondary characters are two-dimensional. Take Charlene for example. It would appear that her sole reason for existence is to annoy everyone with her passion for rap music-- and she's the only one who really stands out in my mind. The rest are a kind of blur, and I hope book three is the "breakout" book for them. Speaking of breaking out, Lucy's two love interests need to stop spinning their wheels and start making some moves.
Although I enjoyed reading how Lucy finally found the killer, I knew the person's identity early on due to a certain peculiarity in the dialogue. I can be strange that way sometimes. And have any of you noticed that the latest thing in cozies seems to be cross-marketing-- that is, mentioning books by other cozy writers? At least it fits in here because Lucy is a librarian, but I've been noticing it in several books lately. I realize that things like this place a book clearly within its timeframe, but I prefer my books without branding, marketing, or suggestive selling.
Booked for Trouble is a good solid mystery with a winning main character and a perfect setting; however, it needs some of its other components to be fleshed out more so this series can shine the way I know that it can.
October 6, 2015
I'm actually only about 60% done, but I've read enough to write a review.
The problem with this book (and with the first book in the series) is that the plot was not fully developed, and as such, was not able to span a whole book without adding a bunch of inane interactions with minor characters that serve only as an obvious attempt to pad the book.
Which is a shame because the plot (minus all the inanity) is actually pretty good. It's a shame that so much filler is stuffed in the book that I lost interest.
So a 2 star review, mostly because I love the idea of a lighthouse library but that's being generous because Louise Jane, the overbearing mother and the love-triangle-in-the-making made it just impossible to get through.
The problem with this book (and with the first book in the series) is that the plot was not fully developed, and as such, was not able to span a whole book without adding a bunch of inane interactions with minor characters that serve only as an obvious attempt to pad the book.
Which is a shame because the plot (minus all the inanity) is actually pretty good. It's a shame that so much filler is stuffed in the book that I lost interest.
So a 2 star review, mostly because I love the idea of a lighthouse library but that's being generous because Louise Jane, the overbearing mother and the love-triangle-in-the-making made it just impossible to get through.
April 6, 2021
The second book in the series was entertaining. The characters are deveolping nicely and I enjoyed learning more about Lucy's mother. I'm hoping Lucy doesn't become entangled in a love triangle between Butch and Connor. I thought the mystery was well done. Now I just need to wait for the next book to become available at the library.
February 12, 2016
I had the chance to read the second book in the “Lighthouse Library Mystery Series” right after I finished the first. This is unusual for me since so many books end up languishing in my TBR and it winds up being too long before books. I tend to forget things when there is so much distance between books. This time, it was so refreshing to go right to the next one and still have everything be fresh in my mind.
In this one, Lucy Richardson is still coming up against opposition to the library and, in particular, to her being the librarian. To give her even more headaches, her mother is in town and she’s not very supportive of Lucy’s job. Mainly because her mother, Suzanne, wants Lucy to move back to Boston and marry the man her parents handpicked for her. Lucy’s personal life is even more complicated with the attention she is receiving from two very handsome men from the Outer Banks.
Suzanne grew up in the Outer Banks, but she doesn’t have many friends still there. In fact, one of her former friends – Karen Kivas – is still holding a grudge from their school days. They publicly fight and the next day Karen is found dead near the library. Suzanne is the number one suspect. Lucy doesn’t trust the police to do their job, even though one of them just asked her out on a date. So, Lucy sets up her own investigation to prove her mother’s innocence. When a stolen necklace turns up in Suzanne’s bag, Lucy’s job is even more difficult but she doesn’t let that stop her. Her family is on the line.
I’m loving Lucy even more with this book. She’s really coming into her own as a character. We learn more about her family life and her rocky relationship with her mother. Both men in her life are quite likeable and it’s difficult for readers to choose just one.
After I finished the first book, I immediately checked to see if my library had this second book. Luckily they did and it was available. I found this book even more captivating than the first one and I had a harder time trying to figure out who the killer was. There were so many ways to go and I never really suspected the true culprit. This is written very well. I’m ready for the next one!
In this one, Lucy Richardson is still coming up against opposition to the library and, in particular, to her being the librarian. To give her even more headaches, her mother is in town and she’s not very supportive of Lucy’s job. Mainly because her mother, Suzanne, wants Lucy to move back to Boston and marry the man her parents handpicked for her. Lucy’s personal life is even more complicated with the attention she is receiving from two very handsome men from the Outer Banks.
Suzanne grew up in the Outer Banks, but she doesn’t have many friends still there. In fact, one of her former friends – Karen Kivas – is still holding a grudge from their school days. They publicly fight and the next day Karen is found dead near the library. Suzanne is the number one suspect. Lucy doesn’t trust the police to do their job, even though one of them just asked her out on a date. So, Lucy sets up her own investigation to prove her mother’s innocence. When a stolen necklace turns up in Suzanne’s bag, Lucy’s job is even more difficult but she doesn’t let that stop her. Her family is on the line.
I’m loving Lucy even more with this book. She’s really coming into her own as a character. We learn more about her family life and her rocky relationship with her mother. Both men in her life are quite likeable and it’s difficult for readers to choose just one.
After I finished the first book, I immediately checked to see if my library had this second book. Luckily they did and it was available. I found this book even more captivating than the first one and I had a harder time trying to figure out who the killer was. There were so many ways to go and I never really suspected the true culprit. This is written very well. I’m ready for the next one!
April 5, 2021
How does a book that's under 300 pages and that I read in basically one day still feel like it took FOREVER to get to the damn point?
The plot of this one is fairly thin, and thus the author sort of shoved in a lot of filler which didn't advance anything about the actual story and felt repetitive and unnecessary. Sooooo many restaurant scenes. At the same time, I was compelled to keep reading because, while I did figure out who the killer was pretty early on (essentially as soon as they showed up on page), I didn't know what the motive would be or if there were accomplices and whatnot. So, it kept me hooked and I flew through it, but also it felt interminable at times.
That said, I do like the protagonist of this series, as she is pretty level-headed and doesn't run around acting like she just got her gold shield. And in this one, since her mother is a main suspect, it makes perfect sense that she would involve herself somewhat in the investigation. I also love the lighthouse library setting and the quaint small town, and of course, Charles the library cat.
I do NOT love the evil bitch side character Louise Jane, nor do I love that name. It's clunky when you try to say it out loud (and she goes by the two names, so it's always 'Louise Jane'). I think 'Louisa Jane' flows much better, so that's what I called her in my head while reading. She'd probably hate me for it, but she's a miserable little shit, so I don't care. Also, I really wish this middle-aged white lady author could dial back her obvious loathing of rap music. It's just.........cringey, especially since she's clearly speaking through the MC by having her act like rap is the worst thing ever created and of course everyone knows that and no one with any taste could possibly like it. I mean...come on, lady. I'm not gonna call you a racist, but..........be less racist, please.
Anyway, this was cute and funny at times, and again, I love the setting and Lucy, our MC. Will certainly continue with the series. Maybe LOUISA Jane will be the one bumped off soon.
The plot of this one is fairly thin, and thus the author sort of shoved in a lot of filler which didn't advance anything about the actual story and felt repetitive and unnecessary. Sooooo many restaurant scenes. At the same time, I was compelled to keep reading because, while I did figure out who the killer was pretty early on (essentially as soon as they showed up on page), I didn't know what the motive would be or if there were accomplices and whatnot. So, it kept me hooked and I flew through it, but also it felt interminable at times.
That said, I do like the protagonist of this series, as she is pretty level-headed and doesn't run around acting like she just got her gold shield. And in this one, since her mother is a main suspect, it makes perfect sense that she would involve herself somewhat in the investigation. I also love the lighthouse library setting and the quaint small town, and of course, Charles the library cat.
I do NOT love the evil bitch side character Louise Jane, nor do I love that name. It's clunky when you try to say it out loud (and she goes by the two names, so it's always 'Louise Jane'). I think 'Louisa Jane' flows much better, so that's what I called her in my head while reading. She'd probably hate me for it, but she's a miserable little shit, so I don't care. Also, I really wish this middle-aged white lady author could dial back her obvious loathing of rap music. It's just.........cringey, especially since she's clearly speaking through the MC by having her act like rap is the worst thing ever created and of course everyone knows that and no one with any taste could possibly like it. I mean...come on, lady. I'm not gonna call you a racist, but..........be less racist, please.
Anyway, this was cute and funny at times, and again, I love the setting and Lucy, our MC. Will certainly continue with the series. Maybe LOUISA Jane will be the one bumped off soon.
September 1, 2015
I enjoyed my return visit to the Outer Banks and The Lighthouse Library so much I didn’t want it to end!
Author Eva Gates has written a wonderful second installment in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Book one, BY BOOK OR BY CROOK, was absolutely delightful, but Ms. Gates has kicked the mystery and entertainment up a few notches with, BOOKED FOR TROUBLE.
From the moment I opened this book I was drawn in and didn’t want to be disturbed until I had finished. The setting, the people, everything about this book was well written. A library in a lighthouse? Does it get much cozier than that?
Perfectly paced and well plotted, BOOKED FOR TROUBLE was excellent from cover to over. It you are limited on the books you can, make sure this wonderful mystery is one of them!
Don’t miss the excerpt for READING UP A STORM, found at the back of the book
Author Eva Gates has written a wonderful second installment in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Book one, BY BOOK OR BY CROOK, was absolutely delightful, but Ms. Gates has kicked the mystery and entertainment up a few notches with, BOOKED FOR TROUBLE.
From the moment I opened this book I was drawn in and didn’t want to be disturbed until I had finished. The setting, the people, everything about this book was well written. A library in a lighthouse? Does it get much cozier than that?
Perfectly paced and well plotted, BOOKED FOR TROUBLE was excellent from cover to over. It you are limited on the books you can, make sure this wonderful mystery is one of them!
Don’t miss the excerpt for READING UP A STORM, found at the back of the book
September 15, 2015
I would love to visit this lighthouse library--it sounds just like a place I would like to be, see and absorb the atmosphere!
The story was a good one, really worth reading.
The story was a good one, really worth reading.
December 11, 2023
Easy to figure out who did it but fun either way
May 3, 2020
This 2nd installment of the Lighthouse Library Mystery chain was fast and entertaining, and it held my attention from start to finish. The recurring characters and unique setting (Bodie Lighthouse as a library) grew on me, and I am now fully invested in the series.
3 stars
3 stars
February 19, 2024
love this series! got to meet the complex relationship/drama behind FMC mom. Also, fmc needs to choose a boyfriend already sheesh
August 8, 2026
Lucy is thrilled to still have her job at the Bodie Island Lighthouse. She's finally making new friends through her cousin Josie and has two guys into her (maybe?). The Jane Austen exhibit furor has died down a little but her book club project is still going strong. To tie-in to the Jane Austen exhibit, they're reading Pride and Prejudice. Lucy's happiness is slightly tampered by a visit from her mother! Lucy knows Suzanne Richardson aka Mom has come to bring Lucy home to Boston to marry Ricky. Lucy is certain they are never, ever getting back together but Suzanne insists Ricky is pining away for Lucy. (Sure and he hasn't heard of telephones or e-mail?) When Suzanne encounters a former high school classmate working as a maid in the hotel where she's staying, she is catty and rude. Karen Kivas threatens to spill a secret from long ago. Lucy tries to apologize to her acquaintance from book club and run interference with her mom. The two ladies do end up making up with only Lucy as witness. Hotel manager George is also an old classmate and he ingratiates himself with Suzanne who wouldn't normally give a man like him the time of day. WHAT is going on? The morning after book club, after Suzanne and Karen made up, Lucy steps outside the library and discovers Karen's dead body. Another murder! Also, a valuable necklace has gone missing and Watson suspects Lucy and Suzanne! He just has to collect the evidence. Lucy tries to provide him with more suspects and lack of motivation but Watson is stubborn. Meanwhile, a mysterious woman in gray is lurking in the stacks and Diane and Curtis from the board still have it in for Lucy and the library. Connor is up for reelection and has an opponent in Karen Kivas's estranged brother. He plans to turn the lighthouse into something that can make money and sell the island to developers! Will Lucy have a job after the summer is over? Can she help find clues that point away from her mom and save her mom before it's too late?
This story is definitely Austenesque! They're reading Pride and Prejudice for book club and Lucy's parents and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet! Lucy even has an uncle who is a lawyer but thankfully not a country attorney, a high powered semi-retired lawyer a la Atticus Finch. Lucy knows her mother is pushing her to marry a man she doesn't love yet can't see the parallels to the novel in her own life. There's even a Mr. Collins after her mother! Louise Jane could be Caroline Bingley, after Lucy's job and not her man. Aunt Ellen is Mary Bennet! Read a fan fiction story like The Other Bennet Sister but imagine Mary as the sister of Caroline Bingley and you have Aunt Ellen! Poor Aunt Ellen! She's so sweet and caring. Her backstory is horrible. Lucy does end up realizing her mother is acting like Mrs. Bennet but not quite the rest. Their next read is Tess of the D’Urbervillesand I shudder to think of Lucy's life mimicking that novel! (I tried it but I knew the story behind it and couldn't finish it).
I love the lighthouse library! It sounds so cool! I still think the first edition Jane Austen exhibit is implausible and silly. Jane never lived by the sea during the time she published her novels and the owners of those books will sure as heck not going to let anyone touch their books let alone read them. I've seen first editions... through glass! A set came up for auction last year and I thought if every member of JASNA in the room (at the AGM hotel) chipped in a few dollars we'd have enough to buy ONE of the novels. WRONG! I don't think those will be loaned out to a small town library in North Carolina and if there was a notebook in Jane's own hand it would be locked up tight. This is the best we can do Volume the First by Jane Austen: In Her Own Hand. Birdie should display those volumes.
The mystery was very good. I couldn't put it down. The format of this series is a little different. Lucy does go off snooping looking for clues this time. She just tries to think of something to clear her mom. There's only one dead body and in hindsight it was kind of obvious whodunit but I got distracted by a red herring and other suspects seemed to have stronger motives even though there aren't a lot of suspects. I also thought something else had happened and we were looking at two crimes. There was a lot of repetition though and Lucy repeating things she had already learned or facts changing from one chapter to another. It wasn't bad enough to mar my enjoyment of the novel but enough so I noticed it at the time.
I like Lucy. She's very GOOD. She's earnest, loyal and very kind. I like the way she handles her mother's pushiness. She says no, changes the subject and moves on. She doesn't get mad and lose her temper the way I do. She's very calm and knows just what to say. I'm not a fan of the love triangle. Bruce is better in this book, a little more caring but Connor is a far better man. He cares about Lucy and he truly loves the island and will fight to preserve the local character and against development.
Louise-Jane is in this story a lot less than the first. She's obnoxious but Lucy is on to her now and just indulges Louise-Jane knowing Birdie has no intentions of letting Lucy go and hiring Louise-Jane instead. Even after meeting Lucy's mom, Louise-Jane still feels superior even though she know or learns Lucy is also from an old island family. Louise-Jane needs to go. She's so horrid. Roland is an awesome children's librarian! His performances sound amazing and it's no wonder they're packed. He truly cares about the children and literacy too. He's not just playing to the crowd as an acting gig.
Charlene is funny with her rap and hip-hop obsessions. She's trying to convert everyone and Lucy is kind of rude and snobby about it though, privately anyway. We get to know Josie a little better. She's a real role model. An incredibly talented baker, she's pursuing her dreams while her fiancé (almost?) pursues his dreams in the restaurant industry. They won't give up on their dreams nor will they give up on each other. They like things as they are and I admire that. Josie has a friend, Grace, who is the fun one of the friend group. She's lively and cheerful and has befriended Lucy as well. Teddy needs to be gone as well. I can't stand his phony personality and potentially sticky fingers. Yet Lucy needs to stop suspecting him! Detective Watson is horrid. He's a terrible homicide detective in spite of having worked with the NYPD. Why is he so fixated on Lucy? Just because she's a newcomer? If he lived in NYC, he's a newcomer too! She has family ties to the Outer Banks, she's not really a stranger! I'm not a huge fan of Charles, the library cat. He's a diva and not in a cute way.
Lucy's mom, known as Sue in high school, was a real mean girl. She hasn't gotten any better. She's haughty and rude to those she considers beneath her but she's not all that bad I guess. She stays at a run down hotel and pretends not to notice how shabby it is just for the view. She allows Karen to make amends and accepts George's attentions. She also seems to be courting Theodore's attention too, buying into his faux British Lit professor role. Suzanne drinks a lot more than Lucy is used to seeing her mom drink. What is going on with her? She seems deeply unhappy about something. I think I just read this same plot in another library cozy mystery! Lucy's dad sounds awful. He's ignored his family forever, never took a vacation with the family to the Outer Banks and sweet Aunt Ellen has never gotten along with him. She seems to tolerate her sister and love her sister because they're sisters but her sister doesn't reciprocate any of those feelings. Sue changed her name, left the Outer Banks and never looked back and denies her origins. There's no reason for her to steal or even to murder. If she wants to stop a secret from getting out, she has expensive lawyers at the ready, including her husband. She would deny it and threaten to sue knowing Karen couldn't afford a lawsuit.
Karen was not a nice person. I feel bad life has dealt her some hard knocks but she wants everyone to KNOW about those tough times and pretends like it's no big deal yet goes on and on... She was a complainer. When she helped clean after book club, she did it to make sure people knew she was oh so generous enough to stay and help but also to complain to Lucy. Lucy is lovely and puts up with it. Karen's now ex-husband, Norm, is an alcoholic bum. He can't hold down a job but he's moved back into the family home and is acting like he's just come into money. Hmm? Norm is dating a 20-something "airhead" "bimbo" stereotype who seems to think he has money. Doesn't she have eyes in her head? and if Karen had a life insurance policy I would think she would have left it to her daughter who needs help caring for her children. I think Norm killed Karen out of anger and revenge for dumping him and making him get a job then losing the job. It's all her fault this has happened to him! If they were still married everything would be great. Yes Norm is high on my list of suspects.
Doug Whiteside, Karen's estranged brother, is a smarmy politician, a wannabe mayor. He's the type who craves money and power and doesn't care what the regular citizens think. He'll let developers take over the island and make it a luxury resort or something. Typical politician. Yuck. He has the sleazy act down pat already, capitalizing on Karen's death, claiming the library is dangerous and he'll shut it down and make the island safe. Yeah safe for wealthy tourists... I think he could have murdered his sister for some reason or another. We don't really know why they're estranged, only that he never helped her out or gave her any money. He didn't care about Karen when she was alive so why now? The only other suspect is the Gray Woman who is certainly up to no good. She isn't friendly, never participates in any of the library activities or even seems to read any of the books. What's more, Charles doesn't seem to like her. That certainly means she's a villain!
I'm enjoying this cute series so far and I am eager to see what happens next, especially after a slight cliffhanger ending! Someone IRL spoiled me on the love triangle but I kind of figured it out for myself.
This story is definitely Austenesque! They're reading Pride and Prejudice for book club and Lucy's parents and Mr. and Mrs. Bennet! Lucy even has an uncle who is a lawyer but thankfully not a country attorney, a high powered semi-retired lawyer a la Atticus Finch. Lucy knows her mother is pushing her to marry a man she doesn't love yet can't see the parallels to the novel in her own life. There's even a Mr. Collins after her mother! Louise Jane could be Caroline Bingley, after Lucy's job and not her man. Aunt Ellen is Mary Bennet! Read a fan fiction story like The Other Bennet Sister but imagine Mary as the sister of Caroline Bingley and you have Aunt Ellen! Poor Aunt Ellen! She's so sweet and caring. Her backstory is horrible. Lucy does end up realizing her mother is acting like Mrs. Bennet but not quite the rest. Their next read is Tess of the D’Urbervillesand I shudder to think of Lucy's life mimicking that novel! (I tried it but I knew the story behind it and couldn't finish it).
I love the lighthouse library! It sounds so cool! I still think the first edition Jane Austen exhibit is implausible and silly. Jane never lived by the sea during the time she published her novels and the owners of those books will sure as heck not going to let anyone touch their books let alone read them. I've seen first editions... through glass! A set came up for auction last year and I thought if every member of JASNA in the room (at the AGM hotel) chipped in a few dollars we'd have enough to buy ONE of the novels. WRONG! I don't think those will be loaned out to a small town library in North Carolina and if there was a notebook in Jane's own hand it would be locked up tight. This is the best we can do Volume the First by Jane Austen: In Her Own Hand. Birdie should display those volumes.
The mystery was very good. I couldn't put it down. The format of this series is a little different. Lucy does go off snooping looking for clues this time. She just tries to think of something to clear her mom. There's only one dead body and in hindsight it was kind of obvious whodunit but I got distracted by a red herring and other suspects seemed to have stronger motives even though there aren't a lot of suspects. I also thought something else had happened and we were looking at two crimes. There was a lot of repetition though and Lucy repeating things she had already learned or facts changing from one chapter to another. It wasn't bad enough to mar my enjoyment of the novel but enough so I noticed it at the time.
I like Lucy. She's very GOOD. She's earnest, loyal and very kind. I like the way she handles her mother's pushiness. She says no, changes the subject and moves on. She doesn't get mad and lose her temper the way I do. She's very calm and knows just what to say. I'm not a fan of the love triangle. Bruce is better in this book, a little more caring but Connor is a far better man. He cares about Lucy and he truly loves the island and will fight to preserve the local character and against development.
Louise-Jane is in this story a lot less than the first. She's obnoxious but Lucy is on to her now and just indulges Louise-Jane knowing Birdie has no intentions of letting Lucy go and hiring Louise-Jane instead. Even after meeting Lucy's mom, Louise-Jane still feels superior even though she know or learns Lucy is also from an old island family. Louise-Jane needs to go. She's so horrid. Roland is an awesome children's librarian! His performances sound amazing and it's no wonder they're packed. He truly cares about the children and literacy too. He's not just playing to the crowd as an acting gig.
Charlene is funny with her rap and hip-hop obsessions. She's trying to convert everyone and Lucy is kind of rude and snobby about it though, privately anyway. We get to know Josie a little better. She's a real role model. An incredibly talented baker, she's pursuing her dreams while her fiancé (almost?) pursues his dreams in the restaurant industry. They won't give up on their dreams nor will they give up on each other. They like things as they are and I admire that. Josie has a friend, Grace, who is the fun one of the friend group. She's lively and cheerful and has befriended Lucy as well. Teddy needs to be gone as well. I can't stand his phony personality and potentially sticky fingers. Yet Lucy needs to stop suspecting him! Detective Watson is horrid. He's a terrible homicide detective in spite of having worked with the NYPD. Why is he so fixated on Lucy? Just because she's a newcomer? If he lived in NYC, he's a newcomer too! She has family ties to the Outer Banks, she's not really a stranger! I'm not a huge fan of Charles, the library cat. He's a diva and not in a cute way.
Lucy's mom, known as Sue in high school, was a real mean girl. She hasn't gotten any better. She's haughty and rude to those she considers beneath her but she's not all that bad I guess. She stays at a run down hotel and pretends not to notice how shabby it is just for the view. She allows Karen to make amends and accepts George's attentions. She also seems to be courting Theodore's attention too, buying into his faux British Lit professor role. Suzanne drinks a lot more than Lucy is used to seeing her mom drink. What is going on with her? She seems deeply unhappy about something. I think I just read this same plot in another library cozy mystery! Lucy's dad sounds awful. He's ignored his family forever, never took a vacation with the family to the Outer Banks and sweet Aunt Ellen has never gotten along with him. She seems to tolerate her sister and love her sister because they're sisters but her sister doesn't reciprocate any of those feelings. Sue changed her name, left the Outer Banks and never looked back and denies her origins. There's no reason for her to steal or even to murder. If she wants to stop a secret from getting out, she has expensive lawyers at the ready, including her husband. She would deny it and threaten to sue knowing Karen couldn't afford a lawsuit.
Karen was not a nice person. I feel bad life has dealt her some hard knocks but she wants everyone to KNOW about those tough times and pretends like it's no big deal yet goes on and on... She was a complainer. When she helped clean after book club, she did it to make sure people knew she was oh so generous enough to stay and help but also to complain to Lucy. Lucy is lovely and puts up with it. Karen's now ex-husband, Norm, is an alcoholic bum. He can't hold down a job but he's moved back into the family home and is acting like he's just come into money. Hmm? Norm is dating a 20-something "airhead" "bimbo" stereotype who seems to think he has money. Doesn't she have eyes in her head? and if Karen had a life insurance policy I would think she would have left it to her daughter who needs help caring for her children. I think Norm killed Karen out of anger and revenge for dumping him and making him get a job then losing the job. It's all her fault this has happened to him! If they were still married everything would be great. Yes Norm is high on my list of suspects.
Doug Whiteside, Karen's estranged brother, is a smarmy politician, a wannabe mayor. He's the type who craves money and power and doesn't care what the regular citizens think. He'll let developers take over the island and make it a luxury resort or something. Typical politician. Yuck. He has the sleazy act down pat already, capitalizing on Karen's death, claiming the library is dangerous and he'll shut it down and make the island safe. Yeah safe for wealthy tourists... I think he could have murdered his sister for some reason or another. We don't really know why they're estranged, only that he never helped her out or gave her any money. He didn't care about Karen when she was alive so why now? The only other suspect is the Gray Woman who is certainly up to no good. She isn't friendly, never participates in any of the library activities or even seems to read any of the books. What's more, Charles doesn't seem to like her. That certainly means she's a villain!
I'm enjoying this cute series so far and I am eager to see what happens next, especially after a slight cliffhanger ending! Someone IRL spoiled me on the love triangle but I kind of figured it out for myself.
February 28, 2020
This cozy mystery is a fast, enjoyable read for those who enjoy the cozy genre. Also if you like cats.
July 11, 2020
Digital audiobook read by Elisa Arsenault
Book two in the Lighthouse Library mystery series focuses on Lucy Richardson’s socialite mother, Suzanne, who has come for a visit and is behaving in a very unlikely manner. Suzanne is intent on getting Lucy back to Boston and properly married. But when a library book-club attendee is found murdered in the marsh near the Lighthouse, the police suspect Suzanne, and Lucy begins to investigate on her own to clear her mother.
I like this cozy mystery series, even if Lucy does go above and beyond inserting herself into the investigation. Gates seems to be taking a page from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, as well – giving Lucy two likely suitors in Mayor Connor McNeil and police officer Butch Greenblatt. How will she choose between these two gorgeous hunks?!
Gates fills out the cast with an assortment of charming library workers, book club enthusiasts, and Lucy’s cousin Josie (who runs a very successful bakery). The author includes many literary references to the delight of this bookworm. And the resident cat, Charles (Dickens), is a nice addition.
An enjoyable cozy mystery series, that I’ll continue reading.
Elisa Arsenault does a fine job of reading the audio version. She sets a good pace and has clear diction, so even when listening at a faster speed I could easily understand her.
Book two in the Lighthouse Library mystery series focuses on Lucy Richardson’s socialite mother, Suzanne, who has come for a visit and is behaving in a very unlikely manner. Suzanne is intent on getting Lucy back to Boston and properly married. But when a library book-club attendee is found murdered in the marsh near the Lighthouse, the police suspect Suzanne, and Lucy begins to investigate on her own to clear her mother.
I like this cozy mystery series, even if Lucy does go above and beyond inserting herself into the investigation. Gates seems to be taking a page from Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, as well – giving Lucy two likely suitors in Mayor Connor McNeil and police officer Butch Greenblatt. How will she choose between these two gorgeous hunks?!
Gates fills out the cast with an assortment of charming library workers, book club enthusiasts, and Lucy’s cousin Josie (who runs a very successful bakery). The author includes many literary references to the delight of this bookworm. And the resident cat, Charles (Dickens), is a nice addition.
An enjoyable cozy mystery series, that I’ll continue reading.
Elisa Arsenault does a fine job of reading the audio version. She sets a good pace and has clear diction, so even when listening at a faster speed I could easily understand her.
October 6, 2020
Main character’s mom arrives for an unannounced visit and a not so subtle attempt to convince Lucy to return to Boston to what would be nothing more than an arranged marriage. The way she is written, it’s very hard to like Mom. To such an extent that when she is Suspect #One for the majority of the book it’s impossible for readers to feel sympathetic. A bit anxious perhaps about Lucy watching her mother go through police questioning. But feel sorry for Mom? Nope.
This was not one of my favorite books. The amount of unrelated things going on may have been where the author lost me. She included the heavy drinking of the victim's ex. A slimeball political candidate. An unkempt hotel manager pining away for Lucy’s mom. Library board members who are seemingly trying to undermine the workings of a successful, well run library. An “archenemy” trying to usurp Lucy’s job. “Archenemy”? Are we in sixth grade? The mysterious “gray lady” showing up throughout. And please deliver me from cozies with stupid love triangles. Credit where credit is due, all are tied up by book’s end with the exception of political aspirations and, of course, the romance triangle is still dangling.
Much space is devoted to the library assistant’s musical preference. I didn’t understand why it was mentioned far too many times .
And I felt the biggest insult of all is after describing the delectable sounding newest creation at Josie’s bakery, Dreamcake, there are no included recipes. I read the ebook so apologies if they appear in print versions.
This was not one of my favorite books. The amount of unrelated things going on may have been where the author lost me. She included the heavy drinking of the victim's ex. A slimeball political candidate. An unkempt hotel manager pining away for Lucy’s mom. Library board members who are seemingly trying to undermine the workings of a successful, well run library. An “archenemy” trying to usurp Lucy’s job. “Archenemy”? Are we in sixth grade? The mysterious “gray lady” showing up throughout. And please deliver me from cozies with stupid love triangles. Credit where credit is due, all are tied up by book’s end with the exception of political aspirations and, of course, the romance triangle is still dangling.
Much space is devoted to the library assistant’s musical preference. I didn’t understand why it was mentioned far too many times .
And I felt the biggest insult of all is after describing the delectable sounding newest creation at Josie’s bakery, Dreamcake, there are no included recipes. I read the ebook so apologies if they appear in print versions.
July 16, 2022
Definitely liked this better than the first. This time, Suzanne, Lucy’s mom is visiting and is soon the suspect in a murder. Lucy is determined to clear her mom’s name and so begins to investigate herself. The silly “love triangle” troupe is in the mix and blah blah blah .. just get rid of it already. The mystery is good, the killer and the reason for the murder was “good”. It was nice seeing Lucy find common ground with her mom and connect with her, as well as the growth in her mom by the end of the book.
November 10, 2018
Lucy's Mom's dropped in for a sudden visit, acting very unlike her usual no-nonsense, business-as-usual self. And, just as soon as Mommy-dearest shows up, a member Lucy's Classics Bookclub is killed after hours at the lighthouse library. Well, given the timely appearance of Lucy's Mama, and the tempestuous relationship between Mama-Dearest and the murder victim, it's only natural that Mama-dearest becomes the prime suspect. Or, so it would seem.
I honestly liked this story a bit less than the first. For one thing, it seemed that some "reaching" was done to pin the murder on Lucy's Mom. The fact that she's the prime suspect, but not the opportunistic drunk of an ex-husband? Secondly, I'd hoped that since Louise Jane doesn't feature strongly in this story line, that she would be a back-ground character, hardly showing up at all. I was wrong. So much of the story is spent following Louise Jane around and listening to her obnoxious, patently false, stories of the Outer Banks and the Library and their "ghostly" denizens. It's filler, and I wish it'd been left out.
I've got the third book in the series to read, but if it's not better than this one, I will likely give up on the series.
I honestly liked this story a bit less than the first. For one thing, it seemed that some "reaching" was done to pin the murder on Lucy's Mom. The fact that she's the prime suspect, but not the opportunistic drunk of an ex-husband? Secondly, I'd hoped that since Louise Jane doesn't feature strongly in this story line, that she would be a back-ground character, hardly showing up at all. I was wrong. So much of the story is spent following Louise Jane around and listening to her obnoxious, patently false, stories of the Outer Banks and the Library and their "ghostly" denizens. It's filler, and I wish it'd been left out.
I've got the third book in the series to read, but if it's not better than this one, I will likely give up on the series.
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