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Lighthouse Library Mystery #3
Reading Up a Storm
The national bestselling author of The Spook in the Stacks returns with another charming mystery set in the most literary lighthouse in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Misfortune blows into North Carolina’s Outer Banks when a dead body in a boat on the shore leaves local librarian Lucy Richardson racing to solve a strange new mystery....
After a successful party at Bodie Island’s Lighthouse Library, librarian Lucy Richardson is ready to curl up with her cat, Charles, and a good book. But her R and R is cut short when she notices some mysterious lights leading a small boat to crash into the coast.
The two shipwrecked seafarers survive the ordeal—but one of them shows up dead ashore a few days later. Lucy finds herself again roped into a murder investigation and navigating a sea of suspects, all of whom had motives to deep-six the deceased. And this time, she has a sinking feeling that finding the real killer won’t be so easy...
Misfortune blows into North Carolina’s Outer Banks when a dead body in a boat on the shore leaves local librarian Lucy Richardson racing to solve a strange new mystery....
After a successful party at Bodie Island’s Lighthouse Library, librarian Lucy Richardson is ready to curl up with her cat, Charles, and a good book. But her R and R is cut short when she notices some mysterious lights leading a small boat to crash into the coast.
The two shipwrecked seafarers survive the ordeal—but one of them shows up dead ashore a few days later. Lucy finds herself again roped into a murder investigation and navigating a sea of suspects, all of whom had motives to deep-six the deceased. And this time, she has a sinking feeling that finding the real killer won’t be so easy...
306 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
January 25, 2023
I started this series at #6 due to an ARC from Netgalley, carried on with the series up to the latest book, and then decided to go back and read the first five books. I am now up to this one, #3, and am enjoying them all very much.
The stories feature a librarian called Lucy who works in a library in a lighthouse. She lives there too in a small apartment with 100 steps and no elevator. She certainly must be fit. Imagine getting downstairs and realising you have left your wallet on your bed.......
There is a delightful cat, a charming boyfriend, lots of wonderful friendly characters and then there is the dreaded Louise. Of course there is also a murder in each book but unfortunately not of Louise. I recently discovered that Eva Gates also writes as Vicky Delaney - so I have many more good books to look forward to.
The stories feature a librarian called Lucy who works in a library in a lighthouse. She lives there too in a small apartment with 100 steps and no elevator. She certainly must be fit. Imagine getting downstairs and realising you have left your wallet on your bed.......
There is a delightful cat, a charming boyfriend, lots of wonderful friendly characters and then there is the dreaded Louise. Of course there is also a murder in each book but unfortunately not of Louise. I recently discovered that Eva Gates also writes as Vicky Delaney - so I have many more good books to look forward to.
April 19, 2022
Reading Up a Storm is the 3rd cozy in Eva Gates's amateur sleuth series, Lighthouse Library Mysteries. I've read most of her work written under her other author name, Vicki Delany, and both the earlier ones in this series. I much prefer her books written as Delany, if I'm being honest, and I am still acclimating to this series. The writing is solid, and I love the concept of the lighthouse library, but the characters and side stories haven't quite settled with me yet. I think I'm struggling with the three-way romance, yet that might be fizzling now too in this last book. All the elements were present with the dangerous storm, the long-lost father, and the return of a man who disappeared decades ago. But the middle part meandered and had a lot of repetitive moments from past books regarding how people feel about the mayoral race and the library funding. It was all good but it didn't move beyond the previous books, so I found myself not eagerly flipping pages. I'm sure it will draw me in soon... I love the author's work and character creations in other series, and the next one focuses on Halloween, my favorite season, so I'm really looking forward to the read.
June 17, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Lucy Richardson loves her view from her apartment on the 4th floor of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library especially at night with the rhythm of the light flashing in intervals out to the sea even during a storm. Tonight though, with the rain pouring down and the waves crashing she notices lights that appear to be coming from the beach. She also notices a boat in trouble not far from shore. She calls 911 so the Coast Guard can be called to help the passengers of the boat. The passengers do survive and even show up at Lucy’s book group. Then one of them is found dead in a boat washed up on the shore. Lucy is on the scene and then finds herself caught up in another murder mystery. She would rather read mysteries than solve real ones, but she thinks those lights she saw on the beach are a key piece of evidence everyone else is ignoring.
Each story in this series tops the last. The author asks us at the beginning of each story to suspend reality because there is no way all the wonders of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library could fit into a normal lighthouse. I have to say she makes suspending that reality very easy. Her descriptive writing pulls us in and there is never any thought that it all can’t be real.
This time Lucy gets so involved that it takes her away from her job at the library a lot. Her co-workers and boss completely understand and fill in for her when necessary. Even with the time off she is still able to take part in a fun surprise. She is also trying to make a decision about her love life. She can’t keep stringing two men along.
The supporting cast adds so much to the story. Louise Jane continues to try to insert herself into the library staff. She has been after Lucy’s job even before Lucy arrived. She has all her ghost stories about the library in the Nags Head area. She tries so hard to frighten Lucy away but it is not working. Research Librarian Charleen has a fantastic idea for promoting the upcoming election and the community really gets involved. And of course, Charles, the library cat always warms my heart.
This story has a really nice flow. It mixes mystery, romance and life at a library in perfect amounts. The characters are appealing and genuine. The setting is delightfully picturesque.
When this book was released back in 2016, the publisher had decided to discontinue the series. Thankfully the author didn’t take their decision to heart, because it has now found a new home at Crooked Lane Books. The Spook in the Stacks was released June 12. I will be reading and reviewing that one soon.
Lucy Richardson loves her view from her apartment on the 4th floor of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library especially at night with the rhythm of the light flashing in intervals out to the sea even during a storm. Tonight though, with the rain pouring down and the waves crashing she notices lights that appear to be coming from the beach. She also notices a boat in trouble not far from shore. She calls 911 so the Coast Guard can be called to help the passengers of the boat. The passengers do survive and even show up at Lucy’s book group. Then one of them is found dead in a boat washed up on the shore. Lucy is on the scene and then finds herself caught up in another murder mystery. She would rather read mysteries than solve real ones, but she thinks those lights she saw on the beach are a key piece of evidence everyone else is ignoring.
Each story in this series tops the last. The author asks us at the beginning of each story to suspend reality because there is no way all the wonders of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library could fit into a normal lighthouse. I have to say she makes suspending that reality very easy. Her descriptive writing pulls us in and there is never any thought that it all can’t be real.
This time Lucy gets so involved that it takes her away from her job at the library a lot. Her co-workers and boss completely understand and fill in for her when necessary. Even with the time off she is still able to take part in a fun surprise. She is also trying to make a decision about her love life. She can’t keep stringing two men along.
The supporting cast adds so much to the story. Louise Jane continues to try to insert herself into the library staff. She has been after Lucy’s job even before Lucy arrived. She has all her ghost stories about the library in the Nags Head area. She tries so hard to frighten Lucy away but it is not working. Research Librarian Charleen has a fantastic idea for promoting the upcoming election and the community really gets involved. And of course, Charles, the library cat always warms my heart.
This story has a really nice flow. It mixes mystery, romance and life at a library in perfect amounts. The characters are appealing and genuine. The setting is delightfully picturesque.
When this book was released back in 2016, the publisher had decided to discontinue the series. Thankfully the author didn’t take their decision to heart, because it has now found a new home at Crooked Lane Books. The Spook in the Stacks was released June 12. I will be reading and reviewing that one soon.
April 5, 2017
Super cute! I loved the whole concept of a library in a lighthouse. Lucy Richardson is an appealing character and the mystery was quite good.
April 2, 2016
Author Eva Gates delights with this newest installment in her Lighthouse Library Mystery series!
What could be better than a library? A library in a lighthouse! And what could be better than that? The writing of Eva Gate telling the story of said lighthouse library!
In this splendid addition to her wonderful series, Ms. Gates manages to outshine the first two books in the series. A clever plot, and brilliant writing are in store for you when you read, READING UP A STORM. With a shipwreck, and murder being just the beginning of this multi-layered mystery, I have no doubt you’ll be as ensconced in the story as I was. There were actually points where I found myself holding my breath!
READING UP A STORM, indeed the entire Lighthouse Library series is one every mystery fan should read.
And just a bit of fun for me, in the Author’s Notes at the beginning of the book, author Gates mentions the real Bodie Island Lighthouse is much smaller inside than her fictional description. Of the Bodie Island Lighthouse in her series the author says…”I like to think of it as my version of the Tardis from the TV show Doctor Who.” If you hadn’t already won me over with your wonderful writing Ms. Gates, you certainly won me over with the Doctor Who reference.
What could be better than a library? A library in a lighthouse! And what could be better than that? The writing of Eva Gate telling the story of said lighthouse library!
In this splendid addition to her wonderful series, Ms. Gates manages to outshine the first two books in the series. A clever plot, and brilliant writing are in store for you when you read, READING UP A STORM. With a shipwreck, and murder being just the beginning of this multi-layered mystery, I have no doubt you’ll be as ensconced in the story as I was. There were actually points where I found myself holding my breath!
READING UP A STORM, indeed the entire Lighthouse Library series is one every mystery fan should read.
And just a bit of fun for me, in the Author’s Notes at the beginning of the book, author Gates mentions the real Bodie Island Lighthouse is much smaller inside than her fictional description. Of the Bodie Island Lighthouse in her series the author says…”I like to think of it as my version of the Tardis from the TV show Doctor Who.” If you hadn’t already won me over with your wonderful writing Ms. Gates, you certainly won me over with the Doctor Who reference.
September 28, 2019
Now I'm finally caught up and ready to read the sixth book! I really loved this one, since it was a turning point for a couple of ongoing side story lines. Lucy is definitely getting smarter about meeting up with killers and had some good protection with her. The showdown was quick but satisfying, and the perp was hauled away.
I liked the two new characters that were introduced. Stephanie, the lawyer was my favorite, but I couldn't help sort of liking the quirky, crazy Marlene. I don't think I remember her mentioned in the next two books when I read them, but who knows where she might pop up again. I do appreciate the continuity that this series has. Even though the books were written years apart, the stories themselves haven't been very far apart timeline-wise. Next up for the library is Halloween and who knows, maybe I'll give The Spook in the Stacks a reread in October.
I liked the two new characters that were introduced. Stephanie, the lawyer was my favorite, but I couldn't help sort of liking the quirky, crazy Marlene. I don't think I remember her mentioned in the next two books when I read them, but who knows where she might pop up again. I do appreciate the continuity that this series has. Even though the books were written years apart, the stories themselves haven't been very far apart timeline-wise. Next up for the library is Halloween and who knows, maybe I'll give The Spook in the Stacks a reread in October.
April 4, 2016
Reading Up A Storm is the third book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series.
Lucy Richardson, with the help of her staff, has had a successful birthday party for Bertie James, the head librarian, but it's been cut a little short due to increasing winds from a storm heading ashore. As Lucy is about to retire for the evening, she decides to take a look outside to check the progress of the storm and notices some lights on the beach and a boat that appears to be heading straight for them. She immediately calls the Coast Guard, who is able to rescue two people before the boat crashes into the beach. Will Williamson had been piloting the boat and his girlfriend, Marlene, had been at the party for Bertie. Williamson is a former resident who claims to have retired and has come to look for a retirement home. A short time Then a day or two later, Lucy accompanied by her friend Butch, find Williamson's body, stabbed in the heart with a knife, in another boat.
Stephanie Stanton soon becomes the prime suspect, as she had attended the party at the library and it is soon learned she had only found out after his death that he was her father. Stephanie has returned to Bodie Island to take care of her mother who had been injured in a car accident.
Lucy is pretty sure that Stephanie has nothing to do with the murder, so she sets off to perform a little investigation of her own.
This series has an interesting and believable cast of characters. And just maybe Lucy will also be able to decide between Butch Greenblatt and Connor McNeil for her romantic interest.
Hopefully, there will be more books to come in this fun series.
Lucy Richardson, with the help of her staff, has had a successful birthday party for Bertie James, the head librarian, but it's been cut a little short due to increasing winds from a storm heading ashore. As Lucy is about to retire for the evening, she decides to take a look outside to check the progress of the storm and notices some lights on the beach and a boat that appears to be heading straight for them. She immediately calls the Coast Guard, who is able to rescue two people before the boat crashes into the beach. Will Williamson had been piloting the boat and his girlfriend, Marlene, had been at the party for Bertie. Williamson is a former resident who claims to have retired and has come to look for a retirement home. A short time Then a day or two later, Lucy accompanied by her friend Butch, find Williamson's body, stabbed in the heart with a knife, in another boat.
Stephanie Stanton soon becomes the prime suspect, as she had attended the party at the library and it is soon learned she had only found out after his death that he was her father. Stephanie has returned to Bodie Island to take care of her mother who had been injured in a car accident.
Lucy is pretty sure that Stephanie has nothing to do with the murder, so she sets off to perform a little investigation of her own.
This series has an interesting and believable cast of characters. And just maybe Lucy will also be able to decide between Butch Greenblatt and Connor McNeil for her romantic interest.
Hopefully, there will be more books to come in this fun series.
February 5, 2016
I found myself captivated by the story and even as it unfolded I was amazed at the twists and turns the mystery took, who the killer was, was not even on my radar until the very end. I hope this series becomes more then just a trilogy as I felt like I was only just getting re acquainted with my old friends as the story comes to a close.
I really loved and appreciated this story, for the way it took me away and the emotions it evoked. I also can not help but imagine what it would be like to live in a light house, something I always wanted to do since I was a very young girl. I have a small collection of little lighthouses to keep me company while I enjoy the very thought.
I really loved and appreciated this story, for the way it took me away and the emotions it evoked. I also can not help but imagine what it would be like to live in a light house, something I always wanted to do since I was a very young girl. I have a small collection of little lighthouses to keep me company while I enjoy the very thought.
July 21, 2017
I've really enjoyed this series and unfortunately I'm all caught up. I hope the next book will be released soon, as I need to fantasize some more about sitting at the top of a lighthouse filled with books reading. Decent mystery, the annoying characters are getting more humorous as the series continues and the nice ones are becoming even nicer.
June 1, 2017
I really like this Outer Banks series, such a great setting and background on the Bodie Lighthouse and the Graveyard of the Atlantic! To work in a library and live in the top of a lighthouse is such a fantastic dream! I hope there will be a new book in the series due out soon!?!
January 10, 2024
Silly romances aside it was a decent book
September 20, 2017
I suppose Im in the minority here with the rating and review.
Ill give one star for the cover and that is as far as I can go.
I had a hard time getting into the first book in the series but I loved the idea of the lighthouse and it housing the town library. Ocean included! I loved the setting and thought how can you go wrong writing something like this?
It has felt disjointed the whole time for me. As if something is totally missing. There is so much writing about the characters that you get no chance at hearing the atmosphere or the setting description. All I see are faces and people talking when I visualize these stories with no background. I dont like that.
Book 2 did capture my interest and I did like that one. Sooo, of course Ill read book 3. This one was so bad, it felt like the author was so desperate just to write a story and couldnt think of anything. Then again this is a story we have heard a million times in other mystery or cozy books, it fell flat for me. I had to keep urging myself to go on when I was more than half way. I was so tired of reading the humdrum of words, I felt blessed to shut the book for good.
I will not read any further in this series, Im finally convinced...never judge a book by its gorgeous cover..
I do not recommend this series, there are many cozies out there that will have you itching to turn the pages throughout!
Ill give one star for the cover and that is as far as I can go.
I had a hard time getting into the first book in the series but I loved the idea of the lighthouse and it housing the town library. Ocean included! I loved the setting and thought how can you go wrong writing something like this?
It has felt disjointed the whole time for me. As if something is totally missing. There is so much writing about the characters that you get no chance at hearing the atmosphere or the setting description. All I see are faces and people talking when I visualize these stories with no background. I dont like that.
Book 2 did capture my interest and I did like that one. Sooo, of course Ill read book 3. This one was so bad, it felt like the author was so desperate just to write a story and couldnt think of anything. Then again this is a story we have heard a million times in other mystery or cozy books, it fell flat for me. I had to keep urging myself to go on when I was more than half way. I was so tired of reading the humdrum of words, I felt blessed to shut the book for good.
I will not read any further in this series, Im finally convinced...never judge a book by its gorgeous cover..
I do not recommend this series, there are many cozies out there that will have you itching to turn the pages throughout!
December 29, 2021
Digital audiobook narrated by Elise Arsenault
This is book three in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, starring Lucy Richardson, chief librarian at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Shortly after a major storm, a man is found dead in his wrecked boat. Lucy had seen the craft floundering during the storm, but she’d also seen mysterious lights on shore, seemingly guiding the boat onto dangerous shoals. Was this an accident? Or was it murder?
I read this out of order, because book # 4 arrived before book # 3 at the library. The mysteries are fast and fun, with some colorful supporting characters added into the mix. And, while I’m not a cat person, I do love Charles Dickens, Lucy’s Himalayan.
Elise Arsenault does an adequate job of reading the audiobooks. Although, the voices she uses for the male characters are really bad. Still, she sets a good pace and has diction clear enough to be understood even when listening at double speed.
This is book three in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, starring Lucy Richardson, chief librarian at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Shortly after a major storm, a man is found dead in his wrecked boat. Lucy had seen the craft floundering during the storm, but she’d also seen mysterious lights on shore, seemingly guiding the boat onto dangerous shoals. Was this an accident? Or was it murder?
I read this out of order, because book # 4 arrived before book # 3 at the library. The mysteries are fast and fun, with some colorful supporting characters added into the mix. And, while I’m not a cat person, I do love Charles Dickens, Lucy’s Himalayan.
Elise Arsenault does an adequate job of reading the audiobooks. Although, the voices she uses for the male characters are really bad. Still, she sets a good pace and has diction clear enough to be understood even when listening at double speed.
August 16, 2023
I seriously can’t get enough of this series! I started with book 9, Death by Beach Read, as a mood read (the cover and title really got me) and little did I know I would become obsessed with this beach town, with the characters and most importantly with this lighthouse library! Also, Charles is one of my favorite characters!
June 27, 2016
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series so was looking forward to this one. I was a bit disappointed unfortunately. I found the story a bit juvenile, especially Lucy's sudden epiphanies such as when she realized who the murderer was (who, I have to say, I had determined about 1/3 of the way through the book), and her sudden realization that she was "in love with the mayor of Nags Head". No lead up, no defining moment in either case really. I'm disappointed that the series isn't measuring up to the expectations I had after reading the first two books. I still love the setting though. The Outer Banks sound like a place I'd love to visit someday.
November 30, 2018
I STILL dislike the inclusion of Louise-Jane as a regular character. She's nothing but obnoxious and a red-herring device. Other than that, I think this may've been my favorite book in this series thus far. Good to see the progression of the romantic story-line(s), and to see Lucy's continued growth as a character.
April 7, 2021
Every year I pick a series that I need to catch up on or has been on my TBR pile for too long and read it throughout the year. As a fan of this author, this was the only series I had yet to read. I am so glad that I picked this series to binge-read this year. I am enjoying Lucy as the main character. She is not a rash sleuth for the most part and does have a logical way of looking at the mystery and the clues. The secondary cast of characters is diverse and very likable. I am happy that the love triangle I feared did not really happen. The mystery was well done and it kept me guessing until the reveal. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and to hopefully be caught up when the next book is released this year.
July 16, 2018
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the prior two. Her wild ideas about the crimes are annoying and not based in fact. She believes herself smarter than the detective without actually being it (at least with regards to the murder) and she doesn't have as much spine as I want her to have and let's people walk all over her. And L.Jane is probably one of the most annoying characters I've ever read. Charles is the redeeming factor of this book.
September 25, 2016
Another great addition to the Lighthouse Library series. Eva Gates (Vicki Delany) is one of my alltime favourite author. There wasn't one book that I haven't enjoyed!
The characters are believable and so much fun that I wish I'd live there too. A great mystery that kept me on my chair and guessing till the end.
The characters are believable and so much fun that I wish I'd live there too. A great mystery that kept me on my chair and guessing till the end.
April 15, 2016
It was a dark and stormy night….No, really, Reading Up a Storm gets off to turbulent start when rough weather rolls in after Lucy, Bodie Island’s Lighthouse’s Library’s assistant librarian, and the other employees and locals celebrate their boss’s tenth anniversary at the library. Lucy sees strange lights down the beach and a boat caught in the violent waters. The boat’s occupants, Will Williams and his much younger companion Marlene, are recued by the Coast Guard (thanks to Lucy’s call to them), but only a couple of days later, Will fails to cheat death a second time and is found stabbed in a boat near the library. Though he grew up on the Outer Banks, he has spent many years in Alaska. Did someone follow him all the way home to kill him? Was someone from his past just biding his time all these years to seek revenge? Did his girlfriend do it to gain his wealth? Did a local with a newfound connection to him do it? Does the upcoming mayoral election come into play?
Reading Up a Storm is the delightful third installment, and I hope not the last, in the entertaining Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Will is convincingly imperfect and dislikable, making him a fine victim. There is no shortage of people who had a grievance with him. His girlfriend Marlene is a great gold digger, his son for the most part bland, and local Stephanie has the best reason of all to want him dead. Of course, Will is not all that he seems, and Lucy does a great job of ferreting out who and what are important.
Lucy is endearing, if a bit too trusting and naïve. Her love interests Butch and Connor are both pleasant gentlemen and worthy of her affections. I hope the “love triangle” ends here. Louise Jane, who is after Lucy’s job, is as oblivious as ever, but she does bring a fun, yet eye-rolling, supernatural influence to the story. Connor’s mayoral opponent Dough is deliciously slimy (like many politicians we know). The supporting characters add color and interest to the tale. I especially love the library cat Charles. He is really in charge of everything.
The mystery itself is full of twists and believable red herrings. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something else comes into play. The lighthouse turned library is the perfect setting.
I like the Lighthouse Library Mystery series very much and always enjoy my time with Lucy on the Outer Banks. I really do hope the series continues. I recommend Reading Up a Storm to any fan of cozies, especially those who enjoy bookish locales and cats.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.**
Reading Up a Storm is the delightful third installment, and I hope not the last, in the entertaining Lighthouse Library Mystery series. Will is convincingly imperfect and dislikable, making him a fine victim. There is no shortage of people who had a grievance with him. His girlfriend Marlene is a great gold digger, his son for the most part bland, and local Stephanie has the best reason of all to want him dead. Of course, Will is not all that he seems, and Lucy does a great job of ferreting out who and what are important.
Lucy is endearing, if a bit too trusting and naïve. Her love interests Butch and Connor are both pleasant gentlemen and worthy of her affections. I hope the “love triangle” ends here. Louise Jane, who is after Lucy’s job, is as oblivious as ever, but she does bring a fun, yet eye-rolling, supernatural influence to the story. Connor’s mayoral opponent Dough is deliciously slimy (like many politicians we know). The supporting characters add color and interest to the tale. I especially love the library cat Charles. He is really in charge of everything.
The mystery itself is full of twists and believable red herrings. Just when you think you have it all figured out, something else comes into play. The lighthouse turned library is the perfect setting.
I like the Lighthouse Library Mystery series very much and always enjoy my time with Lucy on the Outer Banks. I really do hope the series continues. I recommend Reading Up a Storm to any fan of cozies, especially those who enjoy bookish locales and cats.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.**
July 16, 2016
English comment below.
Era una notte buia e tempestosa...
Non sono impazzita, ma il libro inizia con questa frase e, come subito dopo confessa la protagonista, anch'io ho sempre voluto dirlo, così ho colto l'occasione al balzo.
Detto questo, il libro mi è piaciuto. Già l'idea di una biblioteca in un faro è superba, ma la storia gialla mi ha lasciato fino all'ultimo col dubbio di chi fosse il colpevole. E alla fine, non l'avevo azzeccato: il tipo mi è stato subito antipatico, ma non ho proprio colto alcun indizio che puntasse verso di lui.
La protagonista sceglie, finalmente, fra i due spasimanti: odio questi triangoli, soprattutto quando si trascinano a lungo. E, appropriatamente, quello scartato ha subito trovato il rimpiazzo... Da brava lettrice di romance avevo capito subito, appena i due si incontrano e fanno scintille, che sarebbe andata a finire così!
Ora resto in attesa del prossimo volume della serie, sperando che non sia una cosa lunga.
Aggiornamento al mese di luglio. Non ci sarà, almeno di ripensamenti dell'editore, un libro successivo. Ecco perché la vita privata della protagonista e dei suoi amici aveva finalmente preso una svolta decisa... Peccato. Questa serie mi piaceva molto.
It was a dark and stormy night...
I'm not crazy, but the book begins with this sentence and, as soon after confessed the protagonist, I have always wanted to say, so I took the opportunity.
That said, I liked the book. Already the idea of a library in a lighthouse is superb, but the mystery story left me with doubt until the last of whom was the culprit. And in the end, I had not got it right: the type I was soon disliked, but I have not caught any clues that pointed toward him.
The main character chooses, finally, between the two suitors: I hate these triangles, especially when dragging a long time. And, appropriately, the discarded immediately found the replacement ... Like a good romance reader I knew right away, just the two meet and strike sparks, that it would end like this!
Now I will wait the next book in the series, hoping it's not a long thing.
Update to the month of July. There will not be, at least for rethinking the publisher, a later book. That's why the private life of the protagonist and his friends had finally taken a turn decided ... Too bad. I really liked this series.
Era una notte buia e tempestosa...
Non sono impazzita, ma il libro inizia con questa frase e, come subito dopo confessa la protagonista, anch'io ho sempre voluto dirlo, così ho colto l'occasione al balzo.
Detto questo, il libro mi è piaciuto. Già l'idea di una biblioteca in un faro è superba, ma la storia gialla mi ha lasciato fino all'ultimo col dubbio di chi fosse il colpevole. E alla fine, non l'avevo azzeccato: il tipo mi è stato subito antipatico, ma non ho proprio colto alcun indizio che puntasse verso di lui.
La protagonista sceglie, finalmente, fra i due spasimanti: odio questi triangoli, soprattutto quando si trascinano a lungo. E, appropriatamente, quello scartato ha subito trovato il rimpiazzo... Da brava lettrice di romance avevo capito subito, appena i due si incontrano e fanno scintille, che sarebbe andata a finire così!
Ora resto in attesa del prossimo volume della serie, sperando che non sia una cosa lunga.
Aggiornamento al mese di luglio. Non ci sarà, almeno di ripensamenti dell'editore, un libro successivo. Ecco perché la vita privata della protagonista e dei suoi amici aveva finalmente preso una svolta decisa... Peccato. Questa serie mi piaceva molto.
It was a dark and stormy night...
I'm not crazy, but the book begins with this sentence and, as soon after confessed the protagonist, I have always wanted to say, so I took the opportunity.
That said, I liked the book. Already the idea of a library in a lighthouse is superb, but the mystery story left me with doubt until the last of whom was the culprit. And in the end, I had not got it right: the type I was soon disliked, but I have not caught any clues that pointed toward him.
The main character chooses, finally, between the two suitors: I hate these triangles, especially when dragging a long time. And, appropriately, the discarded immediately found the replacement ... Like a good romance reader I knew right away, just the two meet and strike sparks, that it would end like this!
Now I will wait the next book in the series, hoping it's not a long thing.
Update to the month of July. There will not be, at least for rethinking the publisher, a later book. That's why the private life of the protagonist and his friends had finally taken a turn decided ... Too bad. I really liked this series.
February 18, 2019
This one was W A Y better than #2 [with the exception that Louisa Jane did NOT get forever lost in the marsh like I was hoping she would]. The narrator has finally decided to only do one type of southern accent for everyone [which is L O V E L Y], the love triangle is no longer and the mystery was actually well thought out and the detective didn't automatically assume that Lucy was the killer and treat her so condescendingly. Other than it being about 75 pages too long, this one was a real improvement from #2. Whew!!
Three down, two to go. :-)
Three down, two to go. :-)
May 27, 2019
I am enjoying this cozy mystery series! I love the characters who are in each of the first three books. The Lighthouse Library Mystery series gets my recommendation. I am delighted that the author continues to write books for this series!
May 25, 2020
In this third installment of the Lighthouse Library series, Lucy is watching a storm from her fourth floor apartment in the lighthouse when she sees a light on the water, as well as lights on the shore. But she knows there is no safe harbor where the boat is headed. She calls for help, and the occupants of the boat are rescued. Thus begins a rather intricate and delightful mystery, one in which secrets are divulged, Lucy comes to a realization about her life, and her very life is threatened. The characters in the series continue to grow and develop, and even the secondary characters add much interest to the story. These tales just keep getting better.
January 5, 2023
One of the things I learned in 2022 was that I liked cozy mysteries. This is the third in a delightful series set in Cape Hatteras and featuring a library in a lighthouse. I enjoyed the main and recurring characters, the library setting, the investigation and the main character's Himalayan cat, Charlie. Fun read.
May 19, 2026
My favorite in the series so far. I’m absolutely loving this cast of characters. And I am happy that Lucy has chosen her love interest. I hate when a series drags on the love triangle storyline.
I throughly enjoyed the plot and I was completely fooled by the red herring. I had no idea who the murderer was right up until the author revealed it to the reader.
Great cozy mystery!
I throughly enjoyed the plot and I was completely fooled by the red herring. I had no idea who the murderer was right up until the author revealed it to the reader.
Great cozy mystery!
October 9, 2022
3,5 stars
August 12, 2026
Autumn will soon be approaching in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Summer tourism season is still going strong and the library has settled back to normal without the Austen exhibit. Stormy weather causes Birdie's library anniversary party to be cut short but everyone leaves with a piece of Josie's fabulous book cake and having had a good time. Lucy and Charles, the library cat, head upstairs for supper (Charles) and bed (Lucy). She wakes in the night and spies some mysterious lights bobbing on the shore. That doesn't make sense. The harbor isn't there and the lighthouse guides boats with its automatic light. Seeing a boat in distress, Lucy worries about the people on it. She calls 911 who redirect the call to the Coast Guard. She heads back to bed and thinks no more about the lights. Birdie convinces Lucie's friend Stefanie, who is back in town caring for her injured mother, to have a night out and attend the book club and drinks after with Lucy, Josie and friends. Stephanie isn't the only newcomer at the book club. Connor arrives with two newcomers, an older man and his much younger companion, who have a story of their own to tell about being shipwrecked the night before and Will mentions the lights he saw on shore. No one believes him, especially after Louise Jane shares her ghost stories of Bodie Island. After the meeting during drinks, Stephanie drinks steadily so Lucy drives her home. A drunk Stefanie confronts her mother about the long-withheld identity of her father and receives a huge shock. He's back in town and still won't acknowledge her. The next morning while out for a hike, Lucy and Butch discover the dead body of Stephanie's biological father! Naturally Watson has a lot of questions for Stephanie and Lucy is certain he's wrong AGAIN. She's determined to investigate and clear Stephanie's name.
I didn't enjoy this story as much as the previous two. It's more traditional with Lucy being nosy and gathering a crew of gal pals to go over theories with. I liked the stories better when they were focused on the library. Lucy comes up with some good suspects and I thought for sure I knew whodunit after she made her list but I was wrong. She comes up with a random memory to help her identify the killer. This time she's smart and doesn't allow herself to get caught so I liked that. A few word choices took me out of the story - Austenphiles is not a word. Janeites from the Rudyard Kipling poem. Physiotherapist is a British word. This author does that a lot or I wouldn't quibble. I know she's Canadian but if she's writing about characters born and raised in the lower 48 U.S. states, she should use American words. It's a minor issue but it does take me out of the setting.
There wasn't enough of the library in this story for me so the staff take a back seat. On the plus side, we see more of Josie and Grace and meet Lucy's new friend, Stephanie. Stephanie has had a tough life. She was raised by a single mom on the island and money was always tight. Now she's a lawyer with a prestigious firm in Raleigh. I don't love Stephanie. She gets drunk and angry and more likely to do something rash. I don't blame Watson for suspecting her. She had a strong motive but she also had a strong motive NOT to murder this man.
Stephanie seems to be a glass half empty person and her vibe doesn't fit the island yet. She clashes with Butch a lot. Sparks fly and not in a good way or maybe yes in a good way? Lucy seems to think the arguments indicate attraction but she's a little Pollyannaish at times. Of course they did just read Pride and Prejudice so that is fresh in her mind. Bruce lashes out first and he shouldn't have. He isn't in possession of all the facts and he finds fault with Stephanie just because she works for a certain firm? She wasn't involved and if she was, she was just doing her job. She's not a partner yet! Can you blame her? While I admire Stephanie's mom for raising her daughter alone, there were such things as paternity tests 30 years ago and didn't Jerry Springer make a living airing people's paternity test results? Pat seems like a lovely lady and she's friends with Bertie so she must be nice.
I still want to smack Louise Jane. She's so obnoxious! Charles was more likable this time. He seems intent on playing matchmaker for Lucy LOL! His choice is Connor, who is also my choice. Connor is sweet, caring and truly loves the island. He's running for mayor because there's a lot he wants to accomplish that he hasn't done yet. He seems to keep an ear open and talks to people about what they want him to do. Unlike his smarmy opponent, Doug Whiteside. I was hoping the election would have happened already and Doug gone. Alas, no. Doug is a sleazy politician and in it for himself. He has a staff person/handler who has big political ambitions but no personality. No one knows who this man is. Billy something? Bill Hill. He's just Doug's yes-man isn't he? Or is he Doug's handler or is he Doug's lackey who will do anything for his boss? Nah we saw that already. I do think he would murder someone who stood in Doug's way though. I don't care for the nasty insinuations against Connor. The gossipy ladies are horrid to spread rumors. I'm wondering if Connor will end up on Watson's suspect list?
William Williamson was one of those old men who liked to be admired and have everyone think he was just the best but he was not a nice man. He had a giant ego and couldn't bear to think he was wrong. Capsizing the boat was not his fault, oh no! It's all the Coast Guard's fault and he'll sue! Yeah no I doubt it. He liked to be the center of attention and hold court but not actually listen to anything anyone else had to say. He was friendly with Connor's dad back in the day and promises to give money to Connor's campaign. That would be nice but old rich guys don't like to part with their money unless it's to impress some young woman who should know better. I figured out Will's secret pretty quickly and wasn't surprised by the reveal. I actually thought at first His young woman is named Marlene and she's like a cheerleader type but not a mean girl type. She's friendly, perky and unashamed to admit she's a gold digger. I think she cared about Will in her own way. She seemed genuinely worried about him at first but now he's gone and oh well, cash cow served his purpose. I guess I don't blame her but I don't like her as much as Lucy does. I have her high on my list of suspects.
William Williamson had a son from a previous marriage. Mike Williamson arrives and at first seems a little antagonistic towards Marlene, as he should. She's an admitted gold digger. However, they seem a little more friendly than they appear at first glance. Marlene lets Mike stay at the condo without argument and they get along well enough. Mike is sleazy and hits on Lucy. He's a pig and young enough to know better. I put Mike and Marlene at the top of my suspect list. I think they teamed up to kill Will and split the inheritance only they may have had a falling out and Marlene refuses to share.
Ralph Harper, fisherman and volunteer member of the Coast Guard is an old salt. He's crusty but he's spent his life at sea. The sea is his mistress and he lives to serve her. To him, the sea is a being. I don't think he would deliberately harm someone at sea, no matter how annoying William Williamson was. The sea is a vengeful creature and if William Williamson wronged the sea, she'll claim him without human interference. Lucy needs to stop suspecting Theodore. Just because he has light fingers doesn't mean he's a murderer. He hasn't stolen anything under Birdie's watch yet so I think Lucy should give him the benefit of the doubt. I feel bad for him actually!
I like this series and I will continue at least one more but not now, closer to Halloween when the book is set.
I didn't enjoy this story as much as the previous two. It's more traditional with Lucy being nosy and gathering a crew of gal pals to go over theories with. I liked the stories better when they were focused on the library. Lucy comes up with some good suspects and I thought for sure I knew whodunit after she made her list but I was wrong. She comes up with a random memory to help her identify the killer. This time she's smart and doesn't allow herself to get caught so I liked that. A few word choices took me out of the story - Austenphiles is not a word. Janeites from the Rudyard Kipling poem. Physiotherapist is a British word. This author does that a lot or I wouldn't quibble. I know she's Canadian but if she's writing about characters born and raised in the lower 48 U.S. states, she should use American words. It's a minor issue but it does take me out of the setting.
There wasn't enough of the library in this story for me so the staff take a back seat. On the plus side, we see more of Josie and Grace and meet Lucy's new friend, Stephanie. Stephanie has had a tough life. She was raised by a single mom on the island and money was always tight. Now she's a lawyer with a prestigious firm in Raleigh. I don't love Stephanie. She gets drunk and angry and more likely to do something rash. I don't blame Watson for suspecting her. She had a strong motive but she also had a strong motive NOT to murder this man.
Stephanie seems to be a glass half empty person and her vibe doesn't fit the island yet. She clashes with Butch a lot. Sparks fly and not in a good way or maybe yes in a good way? Lucy seems to think the arguments indicate attraction but she's a little Pollyannaish at times. Of course they did just read Pride and Prejudice so that is fresh in her mind. Bruce lashes out first and he shouldn't have. He isn't in possession of all the facts and he finds fault with Stephanie just because she works for a certain firm? She wasn't involved and if she was, she was just doing her job. She's not a partner yet! Can you blame her? While I admire Stephanie's mom for raising her daughter alone, there were such things as paternity tests 30 years ago and didn't Jerry Springer make a living airing people's paternity test results? Pat seems like a lovely lady and she's friends with Bertie so she must be nice.
I still want to smack Louise Jane. She's so obnoxious! Charles was more likable this time. He seems intent on playing matchmaker for Lucy LOL! His choice is Connor, who is also my choice. Connor is sweet, caring and truly loves the island. He's running for mayor because there's a lot he wants to accomplish that he hasn't done yet. He seems to keep an ear open and talks to people about what they want him to do. Unlike his smarmy opponent, Doug Whiteside. I was hoping the election would have happened already and Doug gone. Alas, no. Doug is a sleazy politician and in it for himself. He has a staff person/handler who has big political ambitions but no personality. No one knows who this man is. Billy something? Bill Hill. He's just Doug's yes-man isn't he? Or is he Doug's handler or is he Doug's lackey who will do anything for his boss? Nah we saw that already. I do think he would murder someone who stood in Doug's way though. I don't care for the nasty insinuations against Connor. The gossipy ladies are horrid to spread rumors. I'm wondering if Connor will end up on Watson's suspect list?
William Williamson was one of those old men who liked to be admired and have everyone think he was just the best but he was not a nice man. He had a giant ego and couldn't bear to think he was wrong. Capsizing the boat was not his fault, oh no! It's all the Coast Guard's fault and he'll sue! Yeah no I doubt it. He liked to be the center of attention and hold court but not actually listen to anything anyone else had to say. He was friendly with Connor's dad back in the day and promises to give money to Connor's campaign. That would be nice but old rich guys don't like to part with their money unless it's to impress some young woman who should know better. I figured out Will's secret pretty quickly and wasn't surprised by the reveal. I actually thought at first His young woman is named Marlene and she's like a cheerleader type but not a mean girl type. She's friendly, perky and unashamed to admit she's a gold digger. I think she cared about Will in her own way. She seemed genuinely worried about him at first but now he's gone and oh well, cash cow served his purpose. I guess I don't blame her but I don't like her as much as Lucy does. I have her high on my list of suspects.
William Williamson had a son from a previous marriage. Mike Williamson arrives and at first seems a little antagonistic towards Marlene, as he should. She's an admitted gold digger. However, they seem a little more friendly than they appear at first glance. Marlene lets Mike stay at the condo without argument and they get along well enough. Mike is sleazy and hits on Lucy. He's a pig and young enough to know better. I put Mike and Marlene at the top of my suspect list. I think they teamed up to kill Will and split the inheritance only they may have had a falling out and Marlene refuses to share.
Ralph Harper, fisherman and volunteer member of the Coast Guard is an old salt. He's crusty but he's spent his life at sea. The sea is his mistress and he lives to serve her. To him, the sea is a being. I don't think he would deliberately harm someone at sea, no matter how annoying William Williamson was. The sea is a vengeful creature and if William Williamson wronged the sea, she'll claim him without human interference. Lucy needs to stop suspecting Theodore. Just because he has light fingers doesn't mean he's a murderer. He hasn't stolen anything under Birdie's watch yet so I think Lucy should give him the benefit of the doubt. I feel bad for him actually!
I like this series and I will continue at least one more but not now, closer to Halloween when the book is set.
April 27, 2016
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of Booked for Trouble returns with another charming mystery set in the most literary lighthouse in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Misfortune blows into North Carolina’s Outer Banks when a dead body in a boat on the shore leaves local librarian Lucy Richardson racing to solve a strange new mystery....
After a successful party at Bodie Island’s Lighthouse Library, librarian Lucy Richardson is ready to curl up with her cat, Charles, and a good book. But her R and R is cut short when she notices some mysterious lights leading a small boat to crash into the coast.
The two shipwrecked seafarers survive the ordeal—but one of them shows up dead ashore a few days later. Lucy finds herself again roped into a murder investigation and navigating a sea of suspects, all of whom had motives to deep-six the deceased. And this time, she has a sinking feeling that finding the real killer won’t be so easy... (Goodreads)
Review:
In this third book in the Library Mystery Series, Lucy finds herself pursuing another murderer. When the body of a gentleman that she just met is found floating in a boat, she knows that there is trouble brewing. And when one of her best friends is a suspect in the murder, she knows she has to do whatever she can to find the real culprit. With the help of her friends and coworkers, and her cat Charles, she sets out to do just that.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Lucy is a determined young woman who is more than willing to help her friends when they are in need. She is smart and determined and is not afraid of doing what needs to be done to accomplish her goal. I really enjoyed reading about Charles, he seemed almost magical to me. I thought it was great when he helped Lucy pick out an outfit for a date she had.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book. There are enough twists and turns to make it difficult to determine the real murderer. I really enjoyed the lighthouse setting, and the library in the lighthouse made it even more special.
I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is the first book in the series that I have read but I plan on reading the first two books also.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The national bestselling author of Booked for Trouble returns with another charming mystery set in the most literary lighthouse in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Misfortune blows into North Carolina’s Outer Banks when a dead body in a boat on the shore leaves local librarian Lucy Richardson racing to solve a strange new mystery....
After a successful party at Bodie Island’s Lighthouse Library, librarian Lucy Richardson is ready to curl up with her cat, Charles, and a good book. But her R and R is cut short when she notices some mysterious lights leading a small boat to crash into the coast.
The two shipwrecked seafarers survive the ordeal—but one of them shows up dead ashore a few days later. Lucy finds herself again roped into a murder investigation and navigating a sea of suspects, all of whom had motives to deep-six the deceased. And this time, she has a sinking feeling that finding the real killer won’t be so easy... (Goodreads)
Review:
In this third book in the Library Mystery Series, Lucy finds herself pursuing another murderer. When the body of a gentleman that she just met is found floating in a boat, she knows that there is trouble brewing. And when one of her best friends is a suspect in the murder, she knows she has to do whatever she can to find the real culprit. With the help of her friends and coworkers, and her cat Charles, she sets out to do just that.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Lucy is a determined young woman who is more than willing to help her friends when they are in need. She is smart and determined and is not afraid of doing what needs to be done to accomplish her goal. I really enjoyed reading about Charles, he seemed almost magical to me. I thought it was great when he helped Lucy pick out an outfit for a date she had.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is carried on well throughout the entire book. There are enough twists and turns to make it difficult to determine the real murderer. I really enjoyed the lighthouse setting, and the library in the lighthouse made it even more special.
I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is the first book in the series that I have read but I plan on reading the first two books also.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 31, 2016
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book which I received for an impartial and honest review. I enjoyed this book immensely even though I didn't read the first two in the series, I will be making sure that I go back to start at the beginning and catch up!
Reading Up A Storm is the third book in the Lighthouse Library cozy mystery series. The setting for the book combines 2 of my favourite things, lighthouses and libraries... and the assistant librarian Lucy, even gets to live above the library, how awesome would that be? It's like a dream come true!
After a surprise party, Lucy goes upstairs to cuddle with her cat Charlie, snuggle in and relax reading a book. Before that happens though, she looks out the window and sees a boat heading towards some odd looking lights on the shore. Knowing this would not end well, she called 911 in an attempt to help and luckily with the help of the coast guard and other volunteers, the 2 passengers survive (though the boat ends up badly damaged) A few days later, one of the passengers turns up dead on the shore and suddenly it's Lucy's friend, Stephanie, who is accused of murder. Can Lucy help her friend and track down the real killer?
I loved the descriptions in this book... from the location, to the characters themselves, I was able to picture everything perfectly in my mind. I wish this library was a place I could visit, and that I could make friends with these people! There were lots of little twists and turns in the story which keeps you constantly guessing as to the identity of the murderer, so much so that I wasn't able to figure it out until it almost when it was finally revealed in the story. Well done! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries, so what are you waiting for, go grab a copy of this book and get reading!
Reading Up A Storm is the third book in the Lighthouse Library cozy mystery series. The setting for the book combines 2 of my favourite things, lighthouses and libraries... and the assistant librarian Lucy, even gets to live above the library, how awesome would that be? It's like a dream come true!
After a surprise party, Lucy goes upstairs to cuddle with her cat Charlie, snuggle in and relax reading a book. Before that happens though, she looks out the window and sees a boat heading towards some odd looking lights on the shore. Knowing this would not end well, she called 911 in an attempt to help and luckily with the help of the coast guard and other volunteers, the 2 passengers survive (though the boat ends up badly damaged) A few days later, one of the passengers turns up dead on the shore and suddenly it's Lucy's friend, Stephanie, who is accused of murder. Can Lucy help her friend and track down the real killer?
I loved the descriptions in this book... from the location, to the characters themselves, I was able to picture everything perfectly in my mind. I wish this library was a place I could visit, and that I could make friends with these people! There were lots of little twists and turns in the story which keeps you constantly guessing as to the identity of the murderer, so much so that I wasn't able to figure it out until it almost when it was finally revealed in the story. Well done! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries, so what are you waiting for, go grab a copy of this book and get reading!
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