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Lighthouse Library Mystery #10
Death Knells and Wedding Bells
Librarian Lucy’s wedding is nearly perfect—aside from a missing guest and the strangled body she finds. Now, she must vow to find the killer in this 10th Lighthouse Library mystery.
Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Before Lucy can look forward to the rest of her life in Nags Head and the work she does at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, she gets a phone call from her boss, Bertie James. Eddie, Bertie’s friend, never made it back home after the reception. Initially, Lucy doesn’t think anything of it—sometimes wedding guests simply have a little too much fun. But this quickly turns to something darker when she discovers the body of a wedding guest strangled in a locked closet, and the police immediately start asking questions about Eddie. Lucy must figure out if the two are connected before it’s too late—both for Bertie’s friend and the rest of her wedding guests.
With the Classic Novel Reading Club reading the Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe—Lucy wonders if the master of the macabre can assist her investigation or if the hunt for the killer’s identity will remain as nothing more than an unsolved mystery.
Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Before Lucy can look forward to the rest of her life in Nags Head and the work she does at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, she gets a phone call from her boss, Bertie James. Eddie, Bertie’s friend, never made it back home after the reception. Initially, Lucy doesn’t think anything of it—sometimes wedding guests simply have a little too much fun. But this quickly turns to something darker when she discovers the body of a wedding guest strangled in a locked closet, and the police immediately start asking questions about Eddie. Lucy must figure out if the two are connected before it’s too late—both for Bertie’s friend and the rest of her wedding guests.
With the Classic Novel Reading Club reading the Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe—Lucy wonders if the master of the macabre can assist her investigation or if the hunt for the killer’s identity will remain as nothing more than an unsolved mystery.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
103 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
November 11, 2022
Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the 10th Lighthouse Library Mystery written by Eva Gates, a pseudonym for Vicky Delany, a prolific cozy mystery writer. I've read almost all her work under both author names and will keep picking up more as she writes. I always enjoy the setting, characters and plot. In this latest installment, Lucy and Connor have just gotten married; at their reception, a guest is strangled and found the next day. He was someone only their aunt knew, but as the story plods on, we discover many more connections. What an enjoyable way to celebrate a ten-book series where we've come to adore so many characters and moments. For most the story, I had an inkling of who might be hiding something, and it turned up to be true. But I wavered a few times in the middle. Overall, a highly recommended series, and I settled on 4.5 stars for this one. I struggled a bit with the killer's motivation, and the history we'd come to learn a bit late in the game. That said, it definitely had a killer chase scene! :)
May 28, 2023
Book ten in the series opens at Lucy and Connor's wedding which is a perfect affair until one of the guests is found dead in a locked storage room. Lucy tries very hard not to get involved but it is not possible to stay out of it, and in the end she solves the case.
This is a very clever mystery with a most surprising ending. I did not see it coming at all. There is a scary chase scene too which is more realistic than usual for a cosy. Charles is a hero as usual. It was all excellently written and it is good to see the author maintaining the momentum of the series after ten books. I hope there are lots more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is a very clever mystery with a most surprising ending. I did not see it coming at all. There is a scary chase scene too which is more realistic than usual for a cosy. Charles is a hero as usual. It was all excellently written and it is good to see the author maintaining the momentum of the series after ten books. I hope there are lots more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 26, 2023
This is the 10th book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. This has been one of my favorite cozy series, and I enjoyed this new volume as well. This story dragged a little more in the middle for me. I also felt pretty neutral about the wedding since Connor is constantly disappointing me. If he loves Lucy he should support her with the crafty sleuthing he has to know she’ll do even when he tells her to leave it to the police. I thought this was an interesting mystery and while my hunch was right I am not totally sold on the motivation of the killer. Lucy and Connor have finally gotten married and this book starts at their reception dinner. There is lots of family drama but Lucy and Connor are having a great time anyway. Of course the next morning a body is found and of course Lucy has thoughts about why one of her wedding guests (although one she didn’t really know, a plus one) had been murdered. Overall I gave this 4,5 stars which I rounded up because of Charles the library cat.
August 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley ARC
“Librarian Lucy’s wedding is nearly perfect—aside from a missing guest and the strangled body she finds. Now, she must vow to find the killer in this 10th Lighthouse Library mystery.
Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Before Lucy can look forward to the rest of her life in Nags Head and the work she does at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, she gets a phone call from her boss, Bertie James. Eddie, Bertie’s friend, never made it back home after the reception. Initially, Lucy doesn’t think anything of it—sometimes wedding guests simply have a little too much fun. But this quickly turns to something darker when she discovers the body of a wedding guest strangled in a locked closet, and the police immediately start asking questions about Eddie. Lucy must figure out if the two are connected before it’s too late—both for Bertie’s friend and the rest of her wedding guests.
With the Classic Novel Reading Club reading the Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe—Lucy wonders if the master of the macabre can assist her investigation or if the hunt for the killer’s identity will remain as nothing more than an unsolved mystery.”
I absolutely love this series. The characters have evolved over time, including Louise Jane, who is starting to grow on me. The last two books have left me stumped as to whodunnit which is nice since I usually guess who the culprit is. I highly recommend reading the whole series, but the books can be read as standalones.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book. All thoughts are my own.
“Librarian Lucy’s wedding is nearly perfect—aside from a missing guest and the strangled body she finds. Now, she must vow to find the killer in this 10th Lighthouse Library mystery.
Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Before Lucy can look forward to the rest of her life in Nags Head and the work she does at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, she gets a phone call from her boss, Bertie James. Eddie, Bertie’s friend, never made it back home after the reception. Initially, Lucy doesn’t think anything of it—sometimes wedding guests simply have a little too much fun. But this quickly turns to something darker when she discovers the body of a wedding guest strangled in a locked closet, and the police immediately start asking questions about Eddie. Lucy must figure out if the two are connected before it’s too late—both for Bertie’s friend and the rest of her wedding guests.
With the Classic Novel Reading Club reading the Selected Works of Edgar Allan Poe—Lucy wonders if the master of the macabre can assist her investigation or if the hunt for the killer’s identity will remain as nothing more than an unsolved mystery.”
I absolutely love this series. The characters have evolved over time, including Louise Jane, who is starting to grow on me. The last two books have left me stumped as to whodunnit which is nice since I usually guess who the culprit is. I highly recommend reading the whole series, but the books can be read as standalones.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book. All thoughts are my own.
December 21, 2022
Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the 10th book in the series. I have read this series from the beginning, The story takes place in Nags Head. Lucy Richardson O'Neal is the main character. She has just married her fiancé, Connor O'Neal. She works at the Bodie Island Lighthouse library and Connor is the mayor of the town as well as a dentist. The story opens at their reception. They have all their friends and associates there. Everyone is having a good time. Kristen Richardson the soon to be ex of her brother, Kevin has come with her new boyfriend, Roy Croft. Lucy's aunt Joyce, her mother's sister who is not close to the family came with her plus one, Wayne Fortunade. They are both at the same table in the back. While coming back from the ladies room Lucy overhears two people talking. Wayne comes out and sees her. He seems sad. A lot of things are going on which I will leave to the reader to read.
The next day Lucy and her family are at the Ocean Side Hotel for the next day brunch. Joyce comes to the brunch without Wayne. Lucy asks Joyce how long she has known Wayne - 2 weeks. At the wedding Wayne was drinking a lot and nasty to everyone. No one could understand as he was so nice the night before. On the way to the rest room Lucy and Joyce stop when the housekeeper is trying to open the door to the storage room, She is not able to open the door so the manager comes and knocked down the door. Under the door they find a body. It is Wayne dead, They call 911 and Butch Greenblatt, policeman comes in response to the call. All that had been in the closet are asked to go to another room to wait. Detective Sam Watson and Officer Holly Rankin arrive along with a new detective, Kyle North. Again there is so much going on in the story that I will leave to the reader to read.
One of the funniest part of the story is when Kristen comes to the library to confront Lucy for sending the police to question her. She starts yelling at Lucy in front of the patrons. Kevin comes in to say goodbye to her and sees Kristen and Ray and starts a fight with Ray. The description of the fight and the reaction of the patrons is just too funny and a good laugh..
Lucy finally realizes who killed Wayne. Again I will leave this exciting ending to the reader. I wouldn't want to spoil it for them.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane for this ARC.
The next day Lucy and her family are at the Ocean Side Hotel for the next day brunch. Joyce comes to the brunch without Wayne. Lucy asks Joyce how long she has known Wayne - 2 weeks. At the wedding Wayne was drinking a lot and nasty to everyone. No one could understand as he was so nice the night before. On the way to the rest room Lucy and Joyce stop when the housekeeper is trying to open the door to the storage room, She is not able to open the door so the manager comes and knocked down the door. Under the door they find a body. It is Wayne dead, They call 911 and Butch Greenblatt, policeman comes in response to the call. All that had been in the closet are asked to go to another room to wait. Detective Sam Watson and Officer Holly Rankin arrive along with a new detective, Kyle North. Again there is so much going on in the story that I will leave to the reader to read.
One of the funniest part of the story is when Kristen comes to the library to confront Lucy for sending the police to question her. She starts yelling at Lucy in front of the patrons. Kevin comes in to say goodbye to her and sees Kristen and Ray and starts a fight with Ray. The description of the fight and the reaction of the patrons is just too funny and a good laugh..
Lucy finally realizes who killed Wayne. Again I will leave this exciting ending to the reader. I wouldn't want to spoil it for them.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane for this ARC.
November 5, 2022
This was my first introduction to the Lighthouse Library Series by Eva Gates. The book takes place in beautiful Nags Head, NC. Lucy who is our main character and librarian is getting married in the beginning of the book. At the wedding reception, one of the guests gets murdered and Lucy sets out to figure out who had done it. It was an enjoyable book from beginning to end with likable characters. I got to know so many of Lucy's relatives and the townspeople and their connections to each other. There were funny moments sprinkled throughout the book as well. Overall, it was a 4.5 star read for me.
I will be reading the rest of the books in this series because of how much I enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I will be reading the rest of the books in this series because of how much I enjoyed it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2023
Lucy and Connor get their dream wedding, but they also get another murder investigation as a gift as well! I love that Lucy is portrayed as such a strong, smart young woman who uses logic and reasoning to get to the answers with the support of her family, friends and the local detective. It is a modern twist on Sherlock Holmes! The author has crafted a cast of characters that you love and connect with, yet she also crafts characters that you definitely don't like and don't want to connect with just as well. A great mystery wrapped in wonderful stories of the characters lives that keeps you wanting to come back for more! I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see what is next for our newlyweds and their friends! The narration is great as well as it truly brings the characters to life and enhances the plot!
June 18, 2023
'Death Knells and Wedding Bells' is the 10th book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series but only the second I have read, the first one being book #7. Considering I have a lot of catching up to do, I did not find it hard to follow and this is one of those books that I couldn't find fault with at all.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Eva Gates (Vicki Delany) for the e-Arc of the book. The book published on June 6, 2023 and although I had finished reading it before the publication date, I got a bit delayed with sharing my thoughts.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Eva Gates (Vicki Delany) for the e-Arc of the book. The book published on June 6, 2023 and although I had finished reading it before the publication date, I got a bit delayed with sharing my thoughts.
December 30, 2024
As I mention in my review of “Death by Beach Read” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I have read this one before. I just forgot that I did. So, I am now bringing you my review.
For those of us who have been reading this series we are already fans of Conner and Lucy. (If this is your first time coming – start at the beginning of the series. It will be a lot easier to get a sense of who is who!) And, now we have been invited to their wedding. But don’t plan on things being simple. Because that is not how it works for this town, or this cozy series. There is always something that is going to happen that involves murder, and maybe a missing person, and of course, Lucy wanting to try helping solve the mystery.
But will she be able to do it this time? And, will it spoil her wedding?
New characters are introduced, lots of suspects, family drama, and a great scenic setting make this a fun little cozy. And, of course for reading groups, there is always the Classic Novel Reading Club members to appreciate, as well. And, we can’t forget Charles the Library cat.
For those of us who have been reading this series we are already fans of Conner and Lucy. (If this is your first time coming – start at the beginning of the series. It will be a lot easier to get a sense of who is who!) And, now we have been invited to their wedding. But don’t plan on things being simple. Because that is not how it works for this town, or this cozy series. There is always something that is going to happen that involves murder, and maybe a missing person, and of course, Lucy wanting to try helping solve the mystery.
But will she be able to do it this time? And, will it spoil her wedding?
New characters are introduced, lots of suspects, family drama, and a great scenic setting make this a fun little cozy. And, of course for reading groups, there is always the Classic Novel Reading Club members to appreciate, as well. And, we can’t forget Charles the Library cat.
June 11, 2023
"Death Knells and Wedding Bells” the 10th instalment in the "Lighthouse Library" Mystery series by Eva Gates. I love this series and couldn’t wait to visit Nag’s Head and the Bodie Island Lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of N.C. Again. Librarian Lucy’s wedding is nearly perfect—aside from a missing guest and the strangled body she finds. Now, she must vow to find the killer …
This time the story is more centred around Lucy and Connors wedding and her guests. We can’t forget Charlie the library cat who seems to sense when someone is not right/nice…
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I have enjoyed seeing Lucy outside the library as well as meeting some new characters. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I can't wait for the next instalment! I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time the story is more centred around Lucy and Connors wedding and her guests. We can’t forget Charlie the library cat who seems to sense when someone is not right/nice…
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I have enjoyed seeing Lucy outside the library as well as meeting some new characters. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.
I can't wait for the next instalment! I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2022
I was interested in this book because I thought the cover design was eye-catching and pretty, and from the description, it sounded like a cosy mystery, and cosy mysteries are a type of book that I enjoy, so I was pleased to be approved to read and review this.
I haven't read any books in this series before, but I enjoyed it; it was a pleasant, light-hearted cosy mystery read. I identified with Lucy as a character - I appreciated that she was a librarian, and the talk of books and a book club. Initially, I didn't really like or relate to any of the other characters, but I warmed to them a little more as I read on. This was light enough to read in one evening, and I would say it was the type of book that I might choose if I wanted something to help me relax or cheer me up a little.
I think I would be interested in reading some more books from this series, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy cosy mysteries. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I haven't read any books in this series before, but I enjoyed it; it was a pleasant, light-hearted cosy mystery read. I identified with Lucy as a character - I appreciated that she was a librarian, and the talk of books and a book club. Initially, I didn't really like or relate to any of the other characters, but I warmed to them a little more as I read on. This was light enough to read in one evening, and I would say it was the type of book that I might choose if I wanted something to help me relax or cheer me up a little.
I think I would be interested in reading some more books from this series, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy cosy mysteries. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 26, 2022
I had a great time reading this latest book by Eva Gates.
Lucy and Connor are getting married, and while everything goes well, there's just one teeny problem, a dead body.
It seems that an unexpected wedding guest upsets someone enough to commit murder, but who did it?
Lucy can't resist investigating, and when her friend and boss, Bertie asks for help, she can't say no.
I must admit I was very interested in Eddie, he's a quirky character who made me chuckle.
I would definitely recommend this book and the series to all cozy mystery readers.
#DeathKnellsandWeddingBells #NetGalley
Lucy and Connor are getting married, and while everything goes well, there's just one teeny problem, a dead body.
It seems that an unexpected wedding guest upsets someone enough to commit murder, but who did it?
Lucy can't resist investigating, and when her friend and boss, Bertie asks for help, she can't say no.
I must admit I was very interested in Eddie, he's a quirky character who made me chuckle.
I would definitely recommend this book and the series to all cozy mystery readers.
#DeathKnellsandWeddingBells #NetGalley
June 18, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
The day has finally arrived. Connor and Lucy had a beautiful wedding and like most weddings there was a little bit of family drama but they are not going to let anything ruin their day.
Then Lucy gets a phone call from her boss and friend Bertie and she learns Bertie's plus one Eddie never came back to her house after the reception. Lucy tries her best to calm Bertie down and vows to reconnect the next day. But the next day a body is discovered. It's another plus one from Lucy's wedding and now the police really want to find Eddie. Could Bertie's friend be a killer? Are more of Connor and Lucy's guests in danger? Before Lucy can enjoy her wedded bliss she is going to have to find out but she knows it isn't going to be easy and it could be very dangerous.
____
This truly is one of my favorite series! The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is my fictional happy place. I love everything about it. Connor and Lucy's home is wonderful too. Ever since a vacation to North Carolina many years ago I have yearned to return. The books in the series always give me a nice little virtual vacation.
The author has created such fantastic characters. I was so excited for this wedding to take place. Lucy and Connor make a wonderful couple. I was sad that story didn't have the actual "I Do's" and that the day was marred by a murder but this is a mystery series and Ms. Gates has hit it out of the park with this one! A hotel full of suspects, a missing man, a new detective on the case, the twists, the turns. I couldn't put this book down. The final showdown was so exciting I was as out of breath as the involved parties.
With this being the 10th book in the series these characters have found a place in my heart. I enjoy each visit more than the last and each visit ends too soon. I do encourage you to read the series in order to really get to know the characters but this story can be read and enjoyed all on its own.
Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the second book this week that gave me a book hangover. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. This book also receives my Paradise Rating and a spot on my Best Reads List for 2023. My bags are already packed for next year. Will readers be traveling with Lucy and Connor on their honeymoon? I can't wait to find out!
The day has finally arrived. Connor and Lucy had a beautiful wedding and like most weddings there was a little bit of family drama but they are not going to let anything ruin their day.
Then Lucy gets a phone call from her boss and friend Bertie and she learns Bertie's plus one Eddie never came back to her house after the reception. Lucy tries her best to calm Bertie down and vows to reconnect the next day. But the next day a body is discovered. It's another plus one from Lucy's wedding and now the police really want to find Eddie. Could Bertie's friend be a killer? Are more of Connor and Lucy's guests in danger? Before Lucy can enjoy her wedded bliss she is going to have to find out but she knows it isn't going to be easy and it could be very dangerous.
____
This truly is one of my favorite series! The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is my fictional happy place. I love everything about it. Connor and Lucy's home is wonderful too. Ever since a vacation to North Carolina many years ago I have yearned to return. The books in the series always give me a nice little virtual vacation.
The author has created such fantastic characters. I was so excited for this wedding to take place. Lucy and Connor make a wonderful couple. I was sad that story didn't have the actual "I Do's" and that the day was marred by a murder but this is a mystery series and Ms. Gates has hit it out of the park with this one! A hotel full of suspects, a missing man, a new detective on the case, the twists, the turns. I couldn't put this book down. The final showdown was so exciting I was as out of breath as the involved parties.
With this being the 10th book in the series these characters have found a place in my heart. I enjoy each visit more than the last and each visit ends too soon. I do encourage you to read the series in order to really get to know the characters but this story can be read and enjoyed all on its own.
Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the second book this week that gave me a book hangover. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. This book also receives my Paradise Rating and a spot on my Best Reads List for 2023. My bags are already packed for next year. Will readers be traveling with Lucy and Connor on their honeymoon? I can't wait to find out!
May 7, 2023
I had a great time attending Lucy and Conner’s wedding. This is a great cozy mystery series what could be more fun that a series with a librarian and a library in a light house. The addition of the book club is always a fun way to find new books to read. The characters are relatable and realistic. The mystery is full of surprises to keep you guessing. The killer was not someone I suspected. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
August 19, 2023
Enjoyable to catch up with Lucy again in this OBX series. I must say I had the culprit singled out from early on in this outing, not much mystery to it, imho.
December 9, 2022
[Dramatic Sigh]
I am so glad I gathered the strength to finish reading this book. Took me a couple of days but I got through it. And I am talking about the process of me going through it because there's not much to tell about this book.
[Blurb @goodreads]
Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Somewhat catchy premise right? Factor in some supposed family drama, FMC is a librarian, throw in some Edgar Allan Poe references here and there and voila - sleuthing and deduction at its finest. BUT wonk wonk, didn't get any thrills, overly descriptive family drama that did not contribute to the story at all, 17 Chapters of overly explaining the house and the characters (some were just plain boring and did nkt amount to anything on the story) and one big flat twist 🙄 😴
I love me some cozy, small town mystery but if people can't write up an adult version of Nancy Drew then just don't. Please.
I am so glad I gathered the strength to finish reading this book. Took me a couple of days but I got through it. And I am talking about the process of me going through it because there's not much to tell about this book.
[Blurb @goodreads]
Lucy and Connor planned for the perfect Outer Banks wedding—and that’s exactly what they got. Aside from typical rumblings of familial tensions, the late spring weather allowed for a beautiful day, the food was delicious, and everyone had a good time, until one of the guests goes missing.
Somewhat catchy premise right? Factor in some supposed family drama, FMC is a librarian, throw in some Edgar Allan Poe references here and there and voila - sleuthing and deduction at its finest. BUT wonk wonk, didn't get any thrills, overly descriptive family drama that did not contribute to the story at all, 17 Chapters of overly explaining the house and the characters (some were just plain boring and did nkt amount to anything on the story) and one big flat twist 🙄 😴
I love me some cozy, small town mystery but if people can't write up an adult version of Nancy Drew then just don't. Please.
October 13, 2023
Lucy and Connor get their dream wedding, but they also get another murder investigation as a gift as well! I love that Lucy is portrayed as such a strong, smart young woman who uses logic and reasoning to get to the answers with the support of her family, friends and the local detective. It is a modern twist on Sherlock Holmes! The author has crafted a cast of characters that you love and connect with, yet she also crafts characters that you definitely don't like and don't want to connect with just as well. A great mystery wrapped in wonderful stories of the characters lives that keeps you wanting to come back for more! I absolutely love this series and can't wait to see what is next for our newlyweds and their friends! The narration is great as well as it truly brings the characters to life and enhances the plot!
November 30, 2022
I had a great time reading this latest book by Eva Gates. Lucy and Connor are getting married, and while everything goes well, there's just one teeny problem, a dead body. It seems that an unexpected wedding guest upsets someone enough to commit murder, but who did it? Lucy can't resist investigating, and when her friend and boss, Bertie asks for help, she can't say no. I must admit I was very interested in Eddie, he's a quirky character who made me chuckle. I would definitely recommend this book and the series to all cozy mystery readers. #DeathKnellsandWeddingBells #NetGalley
June 20, 2023
Death Knells 6/6-6/9
Pro:
* good narration
* Familiar friends, the library, Charles
* Nods towards Poe’s work
* Book club
Con:
* too many characters too soon at the beginning
* Formulaic in places
* Mystery is too easy to solve.
* Familiar friends don’t have much of their expected quirk/endearing limelight.
Thank you to Eva Gates, Elise Arsenault, Crooked Lane Books, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pro:
* good narration
* Familiar friends, the library, Charles
* Nods towards Poe’s work
* Book club
Con:
* too many characters too soon at the beginning
* Formulaic in places
* Mystery is too easy to solve.
* Familiar friends don’t have much of their expected quirk/endearing limelight.
Thank you to Eva Gates, Elise Arsenault, Crooked Lane Books, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2023
Lucy and Connor finally marry in the 10th book in this very enjoyable series. There is plenty of drama at the reception with inebriated and bickering family members. It gets even worse when a guest is found murdered. Even though Lucy attempts to not investigate, she can't stop herself. The is interesting and I really enjoy the setting and characters. Another winner!
February 16, 2024
I really enjoy reading Eva Gates books. This is the 3rd cozy mystery book in the series. In this book Lucy and Connor get married, loved that. I enjoy Lucy and Connor, and their stories, and the setting of the books. Definitely look forward to more by Eva Gates.
June 21, 2023
What I liked:
* Charles. He really proves himself as the greatest cat ever in this book and I didn't know I could love him more than I already did.
* Teddy. His part of the story was very sweet and it was lovely to see.
* Edgar Allan Poe. Seriously. So awesome.
* Bertie and Eddie. It is simply lovely to see an older relationship handled so deftly.
What I didn't like [buckle up buttercup]:
* No wedding. Seriously. I have been reading for NINE BOOKS and we don't even get the wedding?? UGH. I have a feeling we only get the reception because it worked well for the plot. EPIC fail [IMO].
* The ugly family drama. It was really distasteful and IMO, not needed. It didn't advance the story [even though it was trying to, but more on that later] and was just yuck. I wanted to skip those parts every time they came onto the page.
* ALL the missing side characters. I missed them tremendously. The "new" people that were there for the "mystery" were no fun and just made me miss our regulars that much more.
* Louise Jane. I am never going to like her, but she is borderline desperate in this one and it wasn't a good look; she typically is just annoying, but this time, I was both annoyed and felt sorry for her.
* COULD the killer have been M O R E obvious?? I kept hoping I was wrong [when discussing this with the bestie, she said she kept hoping it was a red herring and that is perfect], but nope. It was one of the transparent mysteries I have read in a long time [and I am using the word mystery very loosely here] and I was left feeling very disappointed.
* I have never been a fan of how Lucy disregards everyone's concern for her safety, but it was more so in this one. She has just married Connor and she continues to blow off his concern and get involved in a way that comes perilously close to her not having to worry about her marriage anymore. I know that he knew this about her going in, but it has seemed to amp up and it, for some reason, really bothers me. It seems really disrespectful.
I have long had a love/dislike relationship with these books and when they are good, they are REALLY good and the the last two seem to have gone back to the meh of the first couple. It is very frustrating as a reader who has loved this author's other books - I WANT to love these, but it does seem to be getting harder and harder to do so.
And all that brings me to the audiobook. I tend to forget that I am not a fan of some narrators when they are doing cozies [but are really good in other genres] and such is the case here. I am just not a fan of the narrator in this series [I have listened to her reading other things and don't have an issue at all] for several reasons; she cannot stick to ONE ACCENT [she will be doing the southern thing for a character and then all of the sudden that slips and you are led to believe that a new character is speaking when in fact it is the same person, just without the accent they started with], she gets super breathy when things get tense [and things get TENSE in this one; I may have known who the killer was, but was not really ready for how they come after Lucy] and that kind of makes it weird. Like I said, I really like her reading other genres; this one is just not my favorite of hers. IF you are not bothered by these issues, then she will be fantastic for you!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Eva Gates, Elise Arsenault - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook ARC and the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
* Charles. He really proves himself as the greatest cat ever in this book and I didn't know I could love him more than I already did.
* Teddy. His part of the story was very sweet and it was lovely to see.
* Edgar Allan Poe. Seriously. So awesome.
* Bertie and Eddie. It is simply lovely to see an older relationship handled so deftly.
What I didn't like [buckle up buttercup]:
* No wedding. Seriously. I have been reading for NINE BOOKS and we don't even get the wedding?? UGH. I have a feeling we only get the reception because it worked well for the plot. EPIC fail [IMO].
* The ugly family drama. It was really distasteful and IMO, not needed. It didn't advance the story [even though it was trying to, but more on that later] and was just yuck. I wanted to skip those parts every time they came onto the page.
* ALL the missing side characters. I missed them tremendously. The "new" people that were there for the "mystery" were no fun and just made me miss our regulars that much more.
* Louise Jane. I am never going to like her, but she is borderline desperate in this one and it wasn't a good look; she typically is just annoying, but this time, I was both annoyed and felt sorry for her.
* COULD the killer have been M O R E obvious?? I kept hoping I was wrong [when discussing this with the bestie, she said she kept hoping it was a red herring and that is perfect], but nope. It was one of the transparent mysteries I have read in a long time [and I am using the word mystery very loosely here] and I was left feeling very disappointed.
* I have never been a fan of how Lucy disregards everyone's concern for her safety, but it was more so in this one. She has just married Connor and she continues to blow off his concern and get involved in a way that comes perilously close to her not having to worry about her marriage anymore. I know that he knew this about her going in, but it has seemed to amp up and it, for some reason, really bothers me. It seems really disrespectful.
I have long had a love/dislike relationship with these books and when they are good, they are REALLY good and the the last two seem to have gone back to the meh of the first couple. It is very frustrating as a reader who has loved this author's other books - I WANT to love these, but it does seem to be getting harder and harder to do so.
And all that brings me to the audiobook. I tend to forget that I am not a fan of some narrators when they are doing cozies [but are really good in other genres] and such is the case here. I am just not a fan of the narrator in this series [I have listened to her reading other things and don't have an issue at all] for several reasons; she cannot stick to ONE ACCENT [she will be doing the southern thing for a character and then all of the sudden that slips and you are led to believe that a new character is speaking when in fact it is the same person, just without the accent they started with], she gets super breathy when things get tense [and things get TENSE in this one; I may have known who the killer was, but was not really ready for how they come after Lucy] and that kind of makes it weird. Like I said, I really like her reading other genres; this one is just not my favorite of hers. IF you are not bothered by these issues, then she will be fantastic for you!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Eva Gates, Elise Arsenault - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook ARC and the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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November 25, 2022I will not be giving a rating because I didn’t finish it. I think it was a mistake on my part reading this without reading the previous books. way too many characters to keep up with who I’m sure have been introduced before.
it was hard to connect with the main character because there was already a story developed that I am not aware of.
thank you to #netgalley for the ARC
it was hard to connect with the main character because there was already a story developed that I am not aware of.
thank you to #netgalley for the ARC
April 6, 2025
This is the first of the series I have read and I think it’s number 10. The mystery was good. There are a lot of people to keep track of, but it was at a wedding so I understand. I felt like it was very old-fashioned . I felt like this about a number of books I’ve read lately , where the woman can’t wait to get married and she changes her last name I mean !!??
June 6, 2023
Death Knells And Wedding Bells is the tenth book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.
Wedding bells are ringing for Lucy and Connor, and the ceremony went as planned. Then comes the reception. Lucy’s Aunt Joyce showed up at the wedding with Wayne Fortunada, whom she has been seeing for a short period of time. Wayne had been friendly with almost everyone at the wedding, but his attitude was the opposite at the reception. Later in the reception, Lucy heads back from the ladies' room and hears Wayne arguing with someone. Early the following day, Lucy receives a call from Bertie, her boss, wanting to know if she had seen jer date, Eddie, after they had left. Bertie tells Lucy that Eddie said he was returning to the hotel to retrieve the tie he had left there. While having brunch at the hotel the following day, Lucy notices a housekeeper trying to gain access to a storage room. She stops to see if she can help, and once the door gets opened, they find the dead body of Wayne in the room.
Detective Sam Watson arrives to begin his investigation, and soon after, a new hire from the NYPD, Detective Kyle North. It’s soon learned that Wayne is a known blackmailer, and several of his blackmail victims are attending the reception. Lucy quickly finds Eddie and brings him back to Nags Head. When Det. North learns that Eddie was one of the blackmail victims he is ready to call the case solved. North and Watson will be at odds throughout the investigation, with North telling Watson he should withdraw from the case several times. Watson will refuse and continue, while Lucy will ask questions and continue working together like they did in the past. Charlie, the library cat, [proves to be the hero of the day.
The story is well-written, plotted, and descriptive; you feel you were at the reception. The characters are wonderfully well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. Many that I would love to call my friend. The bookThere are enough red herrings that I kept guessing about the killer's identity until the end of the story.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this interesting series.
Wedding bells are ringing for Lucy and Connor, and the ceremony went as planned. Then comes the reception. Lucy’s Aunt Joyce showed up at the wedding with Wayne Fortunada, whom she has been seeing for a short period of time. Wayne had been friendly with almost everyone at the wedding, but his attitude was the opposite at the reception. Later in the reception, Lucy heads back from the ladies' room and hears Wayne arguing with someone. Early the following day, Lucy receives a call from Bertie, her boss, wanting to know if she had seen jer date, Eddie, after they had left. Bertie tells Lucy that Eddie said he was returning to the hotel to retrieve the tie he had left there. While having brunch at the hotel the following day, Lucy notices a housekeeper trying to gain access to a storage room. She stops to see if she can help, and once the door gets opened, they find the dead body of Wayne in the room.
Detective Sam Watson arrives to begin his investigation, and soon after, a new hire from the NYPD, Detective Kyle North. It’s soon learned that Wayne is a known blackmailer, and several of his blackmail victims are attending the reception. Lucy quickly finds Eddie and brings him back to Nags Head. When Det. North learns that Eddie was one of the blackmail victims he is ready to call the case solved. North and Watson will be at odds throughout the investigation, with North telling Watson he should withdraw from the case several times. Watson will refuse and continue, while Lucy will ask questions and continue working together like they did in the past. Charlie, the library cat, [proves to be the hero of the day.
The story is well-written, plotted, and descriptive; you feel you were at the reception. The characters are wonderfully well-developed, believable, and enjoyable. Many that I would love to call my friend. The bookThere are enough red herrings that I kept guessing about the killer's identity until the end of the story.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this interesting series.
November 10, 2023
When you've spent the last few years helping the local police solve some of their more difficult murder cases and are marrying the mayor, is it too much to hope for a perfectly beautiful wedding? Apparently, that is a definite step too far if you are Outer Banks librarian Lucy McNeil nee Richardson!
Finding a dead body during your own wedding celebrations could be considered a tad unlucky, and Lucy is determined not to get involved in the investigation, but somehow, she just can't help herself. With one guest disappearing, and everyone considered suspects, the killer aims to end Lucy's snooping and her and Connor's marriage before its even gotten started.
As the latest installment of Eva Gates Lighthouse Library Mysteries starts, so does Lucy and Connor's marriage, which presents a wonderfully fun beginning to the story with all those guests we recognise from our own family get-togethers present and correct. I thoroughly enjoyed this story but didn't work out whodunnit until Lucy laid it all out for me! There were a couple of back stories running throughout, which added to the pleasurable reading experience in this tenth book in the series, and I hope will be returned to in future visits to the seaside town of Nags Head and their historic lighthouse library.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this cosy crime novel thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed this and happily recommend it.
Finding a dead body during your own wedding celebrations could be considered a tad unlucky, and Lucy is determined not to get involved in the investigation, but somehow, she just can't help herself. With one guest disappearing, and everyone considered suspects, the killer aims to end Lucy's snooping and her and Connor's marriage before its even gotten started.
As the latest installment of Eva Gates Lighthouse Library Mysteries starts, so does Lucy and Connor's marriage, which presents a wonderfully fun beginning to the story with all those guests we recognise from our own family get-togethers present and correct. I thoroughly enjoyed this story but didn't work out whodunnit until Lucy laid it all out for me! There were a couple of back stories running throughout, which added to the pleasurable reading experience in this tenth book in the series, and I hope will be returned to in future visits to the seaside town of Nags Head and their historic lighthouse library.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this cosy crime novel thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed this and happily recommend it.
August 21, 2023
At long last, Lucy and Connor are married. The reception is in full swing, even if her mother did overdo it. It was all perfect, and she was stunned that nothing went wrong. Even the short disagreement she heard on her way from the ladies’ room didn’t bother her. Though when Wayne, her wayward Aunt’s boyfriend, rounds the corner, she wonders if maybe she should be worried but shrugs it off. She didn’t know the man and didn’t care one way or another who he was talking to, or at least that’s what she told herself. But when Wayne is found strangled the next day in a storage room closet. Lucy can’t help but get involved.
The motive, she learns, is revenge, Wayne, as it turns out, was not a good person, and suspects come out of the woodwork. but none of them seem quite right to her. Detective Sam Watson is on the job, and this time he has a sidekick from the NYPD, Detective Kyle North. Kyle rubs everyone the wrong way, and Lucy most of all. It seems as though the new detective is trying to win brownie points on his first case. Lucy finds clues that the new detective missed, and that leads to her questioning his experience. There are plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing.
Throughout the story, Lucy runs into people who don’t just dislike the victim but hate him. Even her Aunt Joyce had begun to tire of the man. Which also makes her a prime suspect. But it doesn’t take long for Lucy to know her aunt wasn’t a killer, despite her eccentric life. This story is well-written, which is to be expected from an author of this caliber. Characters are believable, and most are likable, except Lucy herself. Frankly, I do not like Lucy as much as I did previously. I loved Aunt Joyce, and I hope she makes another appearance soon. I knew who the killer was almost from the beginning, but I liked how the mystery developed and kept me involved in the outcome. Ultimately, Lucy almost gets herself killed, and Charlie her cat, saves the day.
The motive, she learns, is revenge, Wayne, as it turns out, was not a good person, and suspects come out of the woodwork. but none of them seem quite right to her. Detective Sam Watson is on the job, and this time he has a sidekick from the NYPD, Detective Kyle North. Kyle rubs everyone the wrong way, and Lucy most of all. It seems as though the new detective is trying to win brownie points on his first case. Lucy finds clues that the new detective missed, and that leads to her questioning his experience. There are plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing.
Throughout the story, Lucy runs into people who don’t just dislike the victim but hate him. Even her Aunt Joyce had begun to tire of the man. Which also makes her a prime suspect. But it doesn’t take long for Lucy to know her aunt wasn’t a killer, despite her eccentric life. This story is well-written, which is to be expected from an author of this caliber. Characters are believable, and most are likable, except Lucy herself. Frankly, I do not like Lucy as much as I did previously. I loved Aunt Joyce, and I hope she makes another appearance soon. I knew who the killer was almost from the beginning, but I liked how the mystery developed and kept me involved in the outcome. Ultimately, Lucy almost gets herself killed, and Charlie her cat, saves the day.
March 30, 2025
After a six month break, I’m back hate listening to my favorite series to hate listen to. This book was annoying. I think Lucy’s coming down with dementia as she can’t remember anything she says for more than a few pages. The ending was idiotic just like the end of Read and Buried and really further shows off just how stupid Lucy is.
SPOILERS!
Right off the bat, I’m OFFENDED that we were not invited to the wedding and after reading some other reviews, I’m not the only one. What gives, Lucy? We support you through ten books but don’t get to see you get married? We’re only allowed at the end of the reception, after the cake has been cut! We don’t even get cake! I’m sure we’re still obliged to send a gift and take part in the money dance though.
We do get to meet Lucy’s brothers, both of whom are raging alcoholics. We also have one who hates his soon to be ex-wife more than he loves his children. Not very good qualities IMO.
No, Lucy, you did not have to invite Gloria. She’s not even related to you. You should have hired security to keep her out. Along with your soon to be ex-SIL’s date. Because while she may have a point she was invited to the wedding, she certainly wasn’t given a plus one.
Then we meet Detective North after the murder and he is very negative. He asks questions and is like, “considering I wasn’t invited to this party” meaning the wedding. Why the fuck would you be invited? Nobody knows you exist.
Then the police are investigating and someone asks Lucy what she’s found out and she acts all surprised to be asked that and says she’s staying out of it because it has nothing to do with her. Go fuck yourself, Lucy! Hardly any of the other murders have had anything to do with you but you stuck your nose into all of them.
Then Lucy, Bertie, and Connor find Eddie has been hanging out in Rodanthe and is completely unaware of the murder or that he’s a suspect. I suppose that could be plausible. So they bring him back to Nag’s Head and drop him and Bertie off at the police station, but Lucy starts to get out of the car. Connor asks where she’s going and she says some nonsense about how Eddie doesn’t always stick to the topic at hand when speaking. Um, so? What happened to staying out of it? Nothing has changed; this murder still has nothing to do with you. Also, what exactly are you planning on doing in the police station? Are you going to sit with him in the interview room and keep him on topic during his police interview? It’s not your job or your business and you wouldn’t be allowed in there anyway so get over yourself.
So Lucy goes back home to get the abused cat, but instead of going to work like she said she was going to do (is she scheduled or not?) she goes around asking a bunch of nosy questions that no one would ask unless they are investigating. And later she’s narrating all her theories and saying she’s not investigating but keeping her inquisitive mind going and that she can investigate because the murder happened at her wedding. Yeah, so remember earlier, Lucy, when you said the murder had nothing to do with you? Nothing has changed since then so how all of a sudden does the murder happening at your wedding mean it does have something to do with you? It doesn’t so fuck off.
And seriously, STAY OUT OF YOUR BROTHER’S MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE! Even if you find definitive proof Kristin is cheating- stay out of it! She’s the mother of your niblings and clearly your brother is far from perfect so you have no business picking sides and backstabbing anyone.
And then Lucy is investigating even more and saying she’s not and Connor tells her it’s none of her business and she says it is. Again, not what you said earlier. It was nice that Connor would stand up to her nonsense though.
But then Lucy has the next day off so she says she is going to stay home to write wedding thank yous. Connor tells her to be sure to send a thank you to his Great Aunt Alice for the toast rack. Fucking do it yourself asshole! She’s your aunt. More sexist bullshit like from the last book. Connor, listen up buddy. Lucy does not have to write all the thank you cards because she is the girl. Fuck you.
But don’t worry because Lucy didn’t actually have any intention of writing thank yous and goes off investigating and wasting everyone’s time by finding out no real information but then tattling to the detective shit he already knows.
Aw, poor Louise Jane. Detective North is just not that into you.
Then Lucy’s SIL and her BF show up at the library mad at Lucy for siccing the cops on them. She’s very argumentative and won’t leave so Bertie threatens to call the police and is going to when Kristin finally is leaving. But then Lucy’s brother shows up and he and Kristin’s boyfriend get into a fist fight, punching each other and damaging library stuff and Bertie does nothing. When the cops come and ask what’s going on Bertie says “Nothing we can’t handle.” WTF? You’re willing to call the police on someone being a Karen but a full-on brawl is perfectly acceptable?
Can you please stop with the abused cat looking at someone and then hissing? Cats don’t do that.
Then we’re nearing the end and Lucy is back to saying she’s staying out of it. She either can’t make up her mind or like I said earlier, she’s getting dementia.
But then we get to the end. OMG. How does someone this stupid get into these situations and still average above a 4.0 rating on goodreads? It boggles my mind that people don’t care about how stupid Lucy is. Because her actions are just plain stupid. No one with an ounce of intelligence would do what she did. You know the killer is onto you; you KNOW this. But yet instead of going to a safe place, going to a friend’s house, staying put at the police station, going ANYWHERE ELSE, you just go home alone. I mean, seriously, come on. And then she’s outside her home alone and the killer confronts her and she still does nothing intelligent. She has neighbors but doesn’t scream for help. Doesn’t go back to the car to get away and instead tries get inside the house. Doesn’t seek out her neighbors but runs down the desolate beach. And it truly makes no sense.
Plus the killer is again straight up stupid as well. There is literally no evidence against them. It’s just Lucy’s speculation. Wow- two people were in New York at the same time? One of them must have killed the other! Uh, pretty sure that wouldn’t fly with a jury. But of course the killer confesses to everything instead of not confessing to everything considering there’s no evidence and they’d be in the clear.
I was so happy to hear a nice burn from Louise Jane when she’s talking to Detective North with Lucy eavesdropping. “I have a charming little apartment on the fourth floor. It was a bit of a dump when I moved in, but I fixed it up nicely.” HA HA HA! She called you a slob, Lucy. BURN!
SPOILERS!
Right off the bat, I’m OFFENDED that we were not invited to the wedding and after reading some other reviews, I’m not the only one. What gives, Lucy? We support you through ten books but don’t get to see you get married? We’re only allowed at the end of the reception, after the cake has been cut! We don’t even get cake! I’m sure we’re still obliged to send a gift and take part in the money dance though.
We do get to meet Lucy’s brothers, both of whom are raging alcoholics. We also have one who hates his soon to be ex-wife more than he loves his children. Not very good qualities IMO.
No, Lucy, you did not have to invite Gloria. She’s not even related to you. You should have hired security to keep her out. Along with your soon to be ex-SIL’s date. Because while she may have a point she was invited to the wedding, she certainly wasn’t given a plus one.
Then we meet Detective North after the murder and he is very negative. He asks questions and is like, “considering I wasn’t invited to this party” meaning the wedding. Why the fuck would you be invited? Nobody knows you exist.
Then the police are investigating and someone asks Lucy what she’s found out and she acts all surprised to be asked that and says she’s staying out of it because it has nothing to do with her. Go fuck yourself, Lucy! Hardly any of the other murders have had anything to do with you but you stuck your nose into all of them.
Then Lucy, Bertie, and Connor find Eddie has been hanging out in Rodanthe and is completely unaware of the murder or that he’s a suspect. I suppose that could be plausible. So they bring him back to Nag’s Head and drop him and Bertie off at the police station, but Lucy starts to get out of the car. Connor asks where she’s going and she says some nonsense about how Eddie doesn’t always stick to the topic at hand when speaking. Um, so? What happened to staying out of it? Nothing has changed; this murder still has nothing to do with you. Also, what exactly are you planning on doing in the police station? Are you going to sit with him in the interview room and keep him on topic during his police interview? It’s not your job or your business and you wouldn’t be allowed in there anyway so get over yourself.
So Lucy goes back home to get the abused cat, but instead of going to work like she said she was going to do (is she scheduled or not?) she goes around asking a bunch of nosy questions that no one would ask unless they are investigating. And later she’s narrating all her theories and saying she’s not investigating but keeping her inquisitive mind going and that she can investigate because the murder happened at her wedding. Yeah, so remember earlier, Lucy, when you said the murder had nothing to do with you? Nothing has changed since then so how all of a sudden does the murder happening at your wedding mean it does have something to do with you? It doesn’t so fuck off.
And seriously, STAY OUT OF YOUR BROTHER’S MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE! Even if you find definitive proof Kristin is cheating- stay out of it! She’s the mother of your niblings and clearly your brother is far from perfect so you have no business picking sides and backstabbing anyone.
And then Lucy is investigating even more and saying she’s not and Connor tells her it’s none of her business and she says it is. Again, not what you said earlier. It was nice that Connor would stand up to her nonsense though.
But then Lucy has the next day off so she says she is going to stay home to write wedding thank yous. Connor tells her to be sure to send a thank you to his Great Aunt Alice for the toast rack. Fucking do it yourself asshole! She’s your aunt. More sexist bullshit like from the last book. Connor, listen up buddy. Lucy does not have to write all the thank you cards because she is the girl. Fuck you.
But don’t worry because Lucy didn’t actually have any intention of writing thank yous and goes off investigating and wasting everyone’s time by finding out no real information but then tattling to the detective shit he already knows.
Aw, poor Louise Jane. Detective North is just not that into you.
Then Lucy’s SIL and her BF show up at the library mad at Lucy for siccing the cops on them. She’s very argumentative and won’t leave so Bertie threatens to call the police and is going to when Kristin finally is leaving. But then Lucy’s brother shows up and he and Kristin’s boyfriend get into a fist fight, punching each other and damaging library stuff and Bertie does nothing. When the cops come and ask what’s going on Bertie says “Nothing we can’t handle.” WTF? You’re willing to call the police on someone being a Karen but a full-on brawl is perfectly acceptable?
Can you please stop with the abused cat looking at someone and then hissing? Cats don’t do that.
Then we’re nearing the end and Lucy is back to saying she’s staying out of it. She either can’t make up her mind or like I said earlier, she’s getting dementia.
But then we get to the end. OMG. How does someone this stupid get into these situations and still average above a 4.0 rating on goodreads? It boggles my mind that people don’t care about how stupid Lucy is. Because her actions are just plain stupid. No one with an ounce of intelligence would do what she did. You know the killer is onto you; you KNOW this. But yet instead of going to a safe place, going to a friend’s house, staying put at the police station, going ANYWHERE ELSE, you just go home alone. I mean, seriously, come on. And then she’s outside her home alone and the killer confronts her and she still does nothing intelligent. She has neighbors but doesn’t scream for help. Doesn’t go back to the car to get away and instead tries get inside the house. Doesn’t seek out her neighbors but runs down the desolate beach. And it truly makes no sense.
Plus the killer is again straight up stupid as well. There is literally no evidence against them. It’s just Lucy’s speculation. Wow- two people were in New York at the same time? One of them must have killed the other! Uh, pretty sure that wouldn’t fly with a jury. But of course the killer confesses to everything instead of not confessing to everything considering there’s no evidence and they’d be in the clear.
I was so happy to hear a nice burn from Louise Jane when she’s talking to Detective North with Lucy eavesdropping. “I have a charming little apartment on the fourth floor. It was a bit of a dump when I moved in, but I fixed it up nicely.” HA HA HA! She called you a slob, Lucy. BURN!
June 6, 2023
Death Knells and Wedding Bells by Eva Gates is the tenth book in the Lighthouse Library series. I've not read all of the prior books in this series, but I am familiar with the main characters. This made it fun to celebrate with Lucy and Connor on their wedding day, but of course their reception is marred with a murder.
The book includes a lot of drama in Lucy's family with most of them spending time in Nags Head, North Carolina for the wedding. The victim has ties to Lucy's family and also to a good friend of Lucy, so she can't help but do some sleuthing of her own. Lucy is friends with one of the detectives on the case who welcomes her help, but there's a new member of the Nags Head police force who resents her involvement in the investigation. There are times when I wish Lucy would have been more forthcoming with her new husband on things she learned while asking questions of witnesses and potential suspects. There's no reason for her to keep quiet on a few of the things, and one ends up putting her in danger. Overall, it's an enjoyable cozy mystery that fans of the series will especially enjoy. The book has a satisfying and unexpected resolution to the case, with Charlie the library cat playing an important role in those events.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
The book includes a lot of drama in Lucy's family with most of them spending time in Nags Head, North Carolina for the wedding. The victim has ties to Lucy's family and also to a good friend of Lucy, so she can't help but do some sleuthing of her own. Lucy is friends with one of the detectives on the case who welcomes her help, but there's a new member of the Nags Head police force who resents her involvement in the investigation. There are times when I wish Lucy would have been more forthcoming with her new husband on things she learned while asking questions of witnesses and potential suspects. There's no reason for her to keep quiet on a few of the things, and one ends up putting her in danger. Overall, it's an enjoyable cozy mystery that fans of the series will especially enjoy. The book has a satisfying and unexpected resolution to the case, with Charlie the library cat playing an important role in those events.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
June 6, 2023
I was so happy that Lucy and Connor’s wedding went off without any issues. It was great to join the reception in progress because I always worry at cozy mystery wedding ceremonies that someone’s gonna show up from someone’s past and say something they shouldn’t lol. Instead of a mysterious past showing up for the bride and groom, the dead guy at the reception managed to get the cops unearthing several other people’s pasts. After some clues starting fitting and just from a gut feeling I had, I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was, just not why.
The showdown was nail bitingly exciting (go Charles! I love that cat!) and soon the nasty killer was away while Lucy got the fun not fun job of giving her statement. She got some nice incriminating pictures too! The ending was just sweet and very normal which these two newlyweds need a lot of now for a long time—or until the next book! 😉 This book's available today!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The showdown was nail bitingly exciting (go Charles! I love that cat!) and soon the nasty killer was away while Lucy got the fun not fun job of giving her statement. She got some nice incriminating pictures too! The ending was just sweet and very normal which these two newlyweds need a lot of now for a long time—or until the next book! 😉 This book's available today!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
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