When her former director is found dead in the water, librarian Lucy Richardson will have to get to the bottom of the mystery before the killer ends her tale.It’s summertime in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Bertie James’s college class is having their 40th anniversary reunion. The opening night reception is held at the Lighthouse Library and Lucy and her colleagues have assembled an … have assembled an exhibit of library artifacts showing how libraries have changed over the years. After the reception, some of the women take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier, using flashlights to illuminate the dark path, but what’s scarier than the dark is finding the former director of the Lighthouse Library floating lifeless in the water.
Helena Sanchez, the former director, wasn’t much loved and spent the party being rude to almost everyone there. As a result, Lucy finds herself in deep water as she rocks the boat, questioning several suspects. But she’ll have to batten down the hatches and fast before she’s left high and dry…and right in the killer’s crosshairs.
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
Library Director Bertie James’ is hosting a reunion to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her college class at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Lucy, Charlene, and Ronald have all agreed to be servers of the wonderful food Josie is providing. Louise Jane is there too but it definitely not to serve food. Lucy and Charlene have pulled together old library items for a display to represent how libraries have changed over the years. All the attendees except one love the display. Special guest Helena Sanchez, former director of the Lighthouse Library, finds something disturbing among the artifacts.
After the event, several members of the group decide to take a walk down the boardwalk to the pier where Louise Jane starts telling one of her ghost stories. When they reach the pier there is something floating in the water. Lucy realizes it’s Helena Sanchez. She and Ronald quickly jump in to try to save her but the former director is gone.
Lucy is just haunted by the death and finds herself delving deep into the investigation. Doing so puts her front and center on the killer’s radar. Will she get the whole story or will her own book end several chapters before it is supposed to??
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Truly one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery series, it took cancer to keep me from reading and reviewing this book when it was originally released. I timed my review now to coincide with the paperback release this week.
I love the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is a fantastic place that can truly only exist in our imaginations as no real lighthouse could hold all the books, treasures, rooms, offices, and Lucy’s Aerie apartment. As soon as you understand the mystery of the place you will be able to enjoy every wonderful event there to the fullest.
Ms. Gates has created wonderful characters. The librarians are truly like family and I love the way they all pitched in to make Bertie’s classmates welcome. I really appreciate the way the characters continue to grow and evolve in each new story. Connor really impressed me this time. That man has the patience of a saint.
The mystery this time was especially intriguing. The victim was rude and very unlikeable from the get-go and it seems she made her share of enemies in her not so illustrious life. This means plenty of suspects for the police and Lucy to wade through. A few people were floating in my suspect pool immediately but some terrific twists eliminated every one of them. I loved Lucy’s idea for revealing the real culprit and all the clues that brought the killer into clear focus. Ms. Gates sure knows how to spin a tale that keeps her readers on their toes.
A special subplot had me holding my breath a few times. When that was allowed to play out I let out a huge exhale and was grinning ear to ear.
I really enjoyed the trip back in time regarding libraries. Back in the day, the local library was one of my favorite places so I was very familiar with all the old relic artifacts that were part of the library’s history.
A Death Long Overdue was such a fun read. The next book in the series, Deadly Ever After, hits shelves on May 11. The only good thing about reading and reviewing this book late is the short time I have to wait for the next installment. Stay tuned for my review next month!
Bertie James, the Lighthouse Library director, is hosting the 40th anniversary reunion of her college class and invited the previous director, Helena Sanchez. After the reception at the library, some of the women, including Helena, take a walk on the boardwalk. But all is not peaceful and soon Helena’s body is found in the water. Once again, Lucy is drawn into the investigation. Can she find the killer before it’s too late?
I really love this series and this book is a prime example of why. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept enthralled until the end. The book’s well-written with wonderful characters whom you’ll enjoy following, both those already known and those who are new. I’m eager for the next book and highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
The Outer Banks, a lighthouse library how can you not love this series. Once again we’re drawn in to Lucy’s world. This time a librarian attending a college reunion is murdered. The characters are likable, the setting divine and the storyline is well written.
Great addition to this amazing series. I absolutely love the lighthouse library, and the interesting group of characters…. Never a dull moment. Can’t wait to read more.
Great book! I really love this series and the idea of a library in a lighthouse. Library director, Bertie, is hosting a reunion of her classmates from when she was in school and the former director of the library is also in attendance. Lucy and Charlene have put together a fun display of library items from the past. When former library director, Helena, arrives, some tension between her and some of Bertie’s classmates arises. Helena also seems to have a strange reaction after seeing the check-out slip in the back of a book in the display. Following a late-night walk on the boardwalk, Helena is found in the water and it later becomes clear that she was murdered. Lucy becomes involved in the investigation, which appears could involve the theft of an expensive necklace from several years ago and the disappearance of a drifter around that same time. An intriguing storyline and I also loved Connor’s attempts at proposing. I really enjoy these characters, the lighthouse library, and the Outer Banks setting. I hope to see many more books in this delightful series!
I love the Lighthouse Library and the staff there, and wish that it was someplace that I could visit. Lucy, the main characters, lives in a small apartment on the fourth floor of the library, which is a great location and convenient to get to work, but doesn’t give her much privacy especially in this book. Bertie and the friends that she started library school with play a prominent role in this book. They are having a reunion and the opening night reception is held at the Lighthouse Library. This brought several new characters into the story and made for an interesting mystery. I also like how the book that is being read for the Classic Book Club ties into the story. I always enjoy my visits to the library and with these characters through these books and can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Poor Connor plays second fiddle AGAIN while Lucy investigates when a reunion turns deadly. The victim wasn’t liked by anyone (even her own family) so it’s anyone’s guess on suspects. I had the killer wrong but WOW what a reveal. The cold case was intriguing and I really hope that both spirits are together in the afterlife. Maybe Louise Jane (insert eye roll here) will “see” them at the library.
I love the lighthouse library series. I am familiar with the lighthouse where this series takes place and know that there is no room for a library. But I would LOVE to be able to work in a library located in a lighthouse. The characters are wonderful…so well developed and you have strong feelings about many of them throughout the series. And this seventh book in the series brings in more characters which will evoke a reaction to their personalities.
I love mysteries, but when you factor in the location in a library, I am a huge fan. The plot is well developed and has you guessing until the end. There are great twists and a delightful surprise at the end that has you anxiously waiting for the next lighthouse library book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. The next book will definitely be on my to-read list!
If you’re looking for a cozy book, this one hits all the right feelings. However I did get a bit bored reading it. I thought the characters were really well written, but I just didn’t feel any connection to them. The only characters that were close to my age were Lucy and Conner, and that probably had a lot to do with how I felt about this book. I wouldn’t turn away from the book simply because the characters aren’t your age because that is definitely everyone’s personal preference, and everyone connects to characters differently. While I liked the story, I thought it moved a bit slow. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, easy to read cozy mystery, I think you’ll still enjoy this book.
Bertie James, the director of the Lighthouse Library is hosting her 40th class reunion in Outer Banks. Helena Sanchez, the former director of the library, is also in attendance and spending the majority of her time being rude to everyone in attendance. When the group takes a stroll down the pier after dark, Helena is found floating in the water and chaos ensues. Narrowing down where everyone was during the walk is proving to be difficult as Lucy again takes the reigns to find the killer among them.
I absolutely love the Lighthouse Library series and every book is fantastic. Each book is filled with terrific writing, wonderful character interactions, a plausible murder mystery, along with a fantastic and breathtaking setting. I love the anticipation the author creates with the death of Helena and the whos and whys. There are so many potential suspects it becomes hard to narrow the list down to any one person. Means, motive, opportunity, lack of alibi all plague those who made it to the list.
As per my reviews of the other books in the series, I love the setting, the characters, and the mysteries in each. Lucy is a wonderful character. She may come from money, but she doesn’t act like it or flaunt her family’s riches. Her character is down-to-earth and likeable. I enjoy her growing relationship with Connor. They are sweet together and you can definite feel their chemistry. The secondary characters are unique in their own way and believable. Oh, and how could I forget about Charles?! The library cat is a delightful addition to the cast.
The story is well paced, enjoyable, and full of suspense, anticipation, joy, and redemption. The author did a wonderful job describing the characters and scenery within the book. I was able to visualize the story as it played out. A Death Long Overdue is a fantastic cozy mystery and addition to the Lighthouse Library series.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
“A Death Long Overdue” the 7th instalment in the “A Lighthouse Library” Mystery series by Eva Gates. I really enjoyed this book!
This is the 2nd book I have read in the series but I had no trouble following along. I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series. I have several books in my TBR pile. In fact I am now a fan girl for Vicki Delany/Eva Gates and bought a few books in her other series too.
The setting of the Bodie Island Lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of N.C. is a dream location that I would really love to go to. I could picture it in my mind from the descriptions which really helps make it come to life in your mind.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. Lucy, her cousin, Bertie and her adorable cat Charles make a good team. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I enjoyed the sub-story with Connor too.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ooops, another case where I’ve forgotten I was given a book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and I also checked the book out from the library. Obviously, I’m a fan of the series since I ended up with two copies(and made a special trip to the library yesterday just for this).
That said, it was just OK. It probably has the weakest mystery plot of them all and the reader is not given enough details to figure out why until after the fact. We know by mere opportunity and I’m not sure that the facts for that are completely laid out.
Many of the usual secondary characters pop in briefly, but it seemed to miss some of the comradery that makes this series so enjoyable.
I’ll definitely give the next book a go, but A Death Long Overdue (really great title for this book BTW) left me checked out.
Again, I got a hard back copy from the library, which is the one I read, and an ecopy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates is the 7th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. The author has created a great cast of characters which includes Lucy, Connor, Bertie, Charlene, Ronald, Aunt Ellen, Josie, and Charles. They feel like old friends. I like catching up with all of them even Louise Jane. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is a magical place. I can envision the library thanks to the authors vivid word imagery. I just love Lucy’s adorable little apartment. The mystery was intriguing. I thought it was well-plotted with interesting details. There are a variety of suspects along with good clues and a red herring or two. It was fun following along in the investigation and seeing how it all came together. I enjoyed the library exhibit that included a card catalog, library withdrawal cards (the card you signed when you checked out the book), and a Commodore 64 (I had a Commodore 64C). The ending will have fans of the series smiling (I wish I could say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). A Death Long Overdue is a delightful cozy mystery with a card catalog, a discourteous former library director, a disrupted reunion, a curious cat, and a forbearing beau.
A Death Long Overdue by Eva Gates is the 7th A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order. The author has created a great cast of characters which includes Lucy, Connor, Bertie, Charlene, Ronald, Aunt Ellen, Josie, and Charles. They feel like old friends. I like catching up with all of them even Louise Jane. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is a magical place. I can envision the library thanks to the authors vivid word imagery. I just love Lucy’s adorable little apartment. The mystery was intriguing. I thought it was well-plotted with interesting details. There are a variety of suspects along with good clues and a red herring or two. It was fun following along in the investigation and seeing how it all came together. I enjoyed the library exhibit that included a card catalog, library withdrawal cards (the card you signed when you checked out the book), and a Commodore 64 (I had a Commodore 64C). The ending will have fans of the series smiling (I wish I could say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). A Death Long Overdue is a delightful cozy mystery with a card catalog, a discourteous former library director, a disrupted reunion, a curious cat, and a forbearing beau.
I absolutely love this series, it has been fantastic from book 1 onward! The characters are like family and I picture the lighthouse library with every book I read. This is an easy to read cozy but very interesting and entertaining. Highly recommend this series to all readers. Enjoy!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Death Long Overdue is the 7th book in A Lighthouse Library Mystery series. I was drawn to the book by it’s beautiful cover. This is not the first in the series I have read but it does standalone.
I enjoy spending time at the Bodie Lighthouse with Lucy, Josie, Bertie, Connor, Aunt Ellen and Uncle Amos along with Connor, Charlene and Ronald. The author does a wonderful job of describing the scenes without going overboard. I feel as if I am in the story, but not in the way.
As with many cozy mysteries, there is more than one storyline. I find these have enhanced this installment. This was well-written, well-plotted, and didn’t seem to lag. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough once I started reading.
This can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable if read in succession. You can get the real feeling behind the sense of family and friends.
I remember card catalogues and looking things up by roaming the stacks to find them.
It’s nice to see the story continues with humor, light romance, and a sense of community.
I highly recommend this book and the series.
I was given an ARC e-book copy from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.
It’s wonderful to be back at the Bodie Island Lighthouse library in the Outer Banks. It’s Summer and Lucy is getting ready for a reunion party to celebrate Bertie’s 40 anniversary of their first day of under grad studies. The event will be in the lighthouse and there is a display of library history. Complete with an old card catalog , no less. One of the guests is the former lighthouse librarian and not a well liked one. She’s not long for this world as she is later found floating off the pier. This isbn’t the first body Lucy has encountered and not the first mystery she has solved. With the help of family and friends, especially Connor and her cat, Charles, Lucy unmasks the killer. I won’t say more for fear of spoiling it. Though this entry works fine as a stand alone, I think it’s much better read in order.
The puzzle was well plotted, the setting perfect, the characters are some of my literary favorites and I was sorry to read the last page. I’m holding a spot on my TBR pile for Lucy’s next mystery – Deadly Ever After coming out May 11, 2021.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I am loving this series! Lucy, Conner, Bertie and of course Charles along with the rest of the crew are wonderful together. You have to chuckle, at well everyone, when they deal with Louise Jane. I loved the story and really enjoyed the “old” items they found for their literary display. I certainly remember using some of those items. How cool would it be to live in a lighthouse and to work in a library in that same location? I think it would be awesome. I can’t wait to visit these good folks again in Nags Head. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
The eighth book in the Lighthouse Mystery series, this one measures up to be just as entertaining as the previous ones. In this book, Bertie, head of the library, is hosting a mini-reunion of her classmates from college. Lucy, the central character in the series, has volunteered to act as server, along with the two other library employees and Louise Jane, the ever present library volunteer whose attitude is that she knows more about the library and Hilton Head than any of the others and she should be revered for that knowledge. The opposite view, voiced often by Lucy, is that Louise Jane makes up her stories about ghosts and the haunting of the lighthouse which houses the library. Theirs is a running feud which is a constant secondary storyline throughout the series.
There are other secondary stories featuring the other two library employees which don’t figure into this book. However, Charlene’s need to care for her ailing mother is referenced here. None of these are important to understanding or enjoying this novel.
The one constant secondary storyline that does feature somewhat in this book is the relationship between Lucy and hef childhood boyfriend Connor who is now the mayor. Their relationship has been building throughout the series and, while it doesn’t affect the mystery, if readers like following relationships as they grow and change, they will prefer to read this series from the beginning.
The main story features the murder of Helena, the previous library director, who is invited to join the group for the first night. The four women who are Bertie’s friends all know Helena and each one has some history with her. She is a distinctly unpleasant person and none of the women demonstrate any grief resulting from her death. In contrast, there are hints about bad experiences between Helena and each of the women, the question is do any of these have anything to do with her death.
The charming parts of these books are the romantic idea of a library housed in a lighthouse, the Outer Banks themselves, and a well rounded group of characters who are interesting and friendly. They combine to make the town one where the reader might like to live, or at least visit on a regular basis.
The puzzle of the mystery is a good one. There are some good hints about who the murderer is, although they may not be as specific as in some novels. The solution is a satisfactory one, and the book is an enjoyable read for anyone who likes cozy mysteries. I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an Advance Digital Read copy of this nove. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Even with a little bit of paranormal activity, it is a very enjoyable series to read. The characters feel real and so do the storylines. I cannot believe we are already up to book seven. I already know we have a book eight coming according to Amazon. Yay!
There was a little surprise in this book that has me plotting and thinking of what we will see in Lucy’s future. Hmm…
Although this is not a Halloween themed book it is perfect for the season. It can be read as a standalone but I always think reading cozy series in order are the best. I’ll let you be the judge.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. Any opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.