Overall, I couldn’t ask for a better new to the series mystery. Readers new and old will feel welcomed right back to the story and the characters. Truly, you will feel like you have never left. And for new readers it will beg you to read all the books in the series and have you racing to get the next one. I highly recommend this fun and charming mystery to mystery lovers, library lovers, and cat lovers. Okay, all book lovers please just read this book!

Eva Gates is a terrific cozy writer, and she's done another masterful job with the fourth book in the Lighthouse Library series. The characters are well written and likeable, the setting is charming, and the mystery keeps you guessing til the end. I loved this book, adore this series, and can't wait to read more from Gates. If you're a fan of cozies, this is definitely a book, and series, for you.

The Spook In The Stacks is the fourth book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series.

I was very disappointed when I heard the series had been canceled by its previous publisher, but I am now elated that a new publisher has been found.

Halloween is quickly coming and most of the Brodie Island employees are not looking forward to overly decorating for the holiday. The children’s area will be tastefully decorated for the young ghosts and goblins. Louise Jane has convinced the other members of the library board that a very detailed replica of the Rebecca MacPherson, a ship that had sunk off the coast of Nags Head and there are some who claim that the ship is haunted.

As the final touches are being put on the decorations, a Jay Ruddle, along with his granddaughter, Julia and Greg Summers, Jay's assistant, and curator. Jay has a very extensive collection of Outer Banks and nautical documents, map and captain’s logs. He has returned to the Nags Head to find a site that will display his collection for future generations to and enjoy. While library patrons are listening to Louis Jane’s presentations, Jay Ruddle goes to the Rare Items area to look over their collection. When the program is over and Julia is ready to leave, Lucy, the assistant librarian, goes up to get Jay and finds him with a blue velvet rope wrapped. Also in his hand is a necklace that Lucy had seen on Julia.

Julia immediately becomes the prime suspect based on Jay holding her necklace in his hand. But a patron of the library, Theodore, who is infatuated with Julia to do a little sleuthing and find out who killed Jay.

In addition to the library, Jay has also been in contact with Blacklock College. After Jay’s death, Norman Hoskins and Elizabeth McArthur visit the library and ask that the library withdraws from consideration, late they off money to withdraw. Something about the pair causes Lucy to wonder how far they would go to get the collection. Lucy also needs to look at library board member, Curtis Gardner whose furniture was severely hurt by Jay’s price-cutting policy. Lucy also wants to check out Greg, as he seems to be not being honest about the job he claims to have lined up and he seems to be overly attentive to Julia but isn’t being returned by her.

Another exciting story in this interesting series. The author provides an interesting and believable cast of character. Lucy and Connor’s romance is still on an even keel.

I’m looking forward to the next book to see what adventures Lucy will get up to.

The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates is the 4th book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, and another great addition. Thank you so much Crooked Lane for continuing this series. Lucy Richardson is a librarian on the outer banks of North Caroline. The library is in a lighthouse, and Lucy lives above the library. This book takes place around Halloween, and it is full of decorations, spookiness, and fun. When Jay Ruddle is looking into donating his rare collection to a library, he Jay visits Lighthouse library, and winds up dead. Lucy is determined to fine the killer, and clear their library's name. I strongly recommend this book/series for any cozy mystery lovers.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the first book I have read out of this series. I love libraries plus I love lighthouses so a win win for me. I enjoyed this mystery very much. I could relate to the library aspect with all the different departments included in the setting. Plus it had a fill for the lighthouses as well, with the metal steps. Plus it was on the coast of North Carolina, one of the prettiest places in the United States.
I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a cozy mystery.

Review: THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS by Eva Gates
(LIGHTHOUSE LIBRARY MYSTERY #4)

I admire lighthouses, and I adore libraries, so the combination of these is a delight. Lucy, our protagonist, is a librarian at the lovely Bodie Island Lighthouse Library at Nag' s Head, North Carolina, in the Outer Banks, following some years at the Harvard Libraries. Near Halloween, a wealthy expatriate determines to gift his extensive collection of nautical North Carolina historical records and documents, and seems to have designated the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library as his recipient--but during a lecture presentation, he is murdered in the Library's rare book department. Lucy and her colleagues are dedicated to finding the truth and winning the collection for their Library, as the owner had wished.

Lots of spooky happenings plus some emotional crises and uproars interweave with history to provide page-turning intrigue.

The Spook in the Stacks: A Lighthouse Library Mystery
By Eva Gates
Crooked Lane
June 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

Assistant librarian Lucy Richardson knows the struggle libraries face to find funding, which explains why the admitted Halloween Grinch is decorating the beloved Bodie Island Lighthouse Library with fake cobwebs, tombstones, and creepy-crawlies. She’s even willing to dress in costume while at work, albeit as her literary idol Jane Austen. In addition to the week of patron-attracting lectures and exhibits, the Lighthouse Library is in contention to house a rare collection of Outer Banks historical documents owned by multi-millionaire Jay Ruddle. The New Yorker has returned home to North Carolina accompanied by his granddaughter and his personal assistant, but not everyone has fond memories of the ruthless businessman. As much as Lucy may not have appreciated volunteer Louise Jane McKaughnan’s overly-enthusiastic tales of the Lighthouse being haunted, her imaginative renditions are preferable to the real-life discovery of Jay Ruddle’s body strangled to death in the rare book room.

Pretentious book collector Theodore Kowalski may fake a British accent, but his infatuation with Jay Ruddle’s granddaughter is embarrassingly real. So when Julia Ruddle becomes a possible suspect as someone perhaps hoping for an early inheritance, Lucy finds herself pulled into the investigation when Theo fears that the love of his life is in danger from police, the real killer, or (just as threatening for Theo) the extremely handsome assistant. Securing Ruddle’s collection would help to ensure the future of the Lighthouse Library, so in order to protect the place where Lucy both works and lives – her enviable apartment is in the fought floor of the Lighthouse – Lucy and her friends investigate ruined businessmen, rival libraries, and the rest of Jay Ruddle’s estranged family.

This prolific author, who also writes under her name Vicki Delany, obviously knows libraries and the distinct mentality of the librarians within. The appreciation of the power of books makes it a delicious series for anyone who found solace and joy between the pages. The Bodie Lighthouse Library comes to life through its depiction as a community resource, which include exuberant storytimes, compelling exhibits, and bookclub gatherings celebrating the written word. Lucy is a refreshing young woman unafraid to advocate for the needs of her library, her town, and her readers. Far more challenging than standing up against bureaucrats is deciding whether she is ready to take the next step in her relationship with Connor McNeil, whose reelection run as mayor could place her in the position as the Significant Other of a politician. The strong relationships between these engaging characters, along with a dash of ghostly mystery, should continue to attract bibliophiles and anyone who found comfort and refuge within a library.

Its like I always say: It is NEVER too early to read a Halloween book! Lucy is the assistant librarian at Lighthouse Library where she keeps company with some crazy characters and a very VIP library cat, Charles. When an elderly millionaire offers to donate his collection of historical documents to the library, it turns out there are others who would also kill for this collection.

As I have already mentioned, being set near Halloween time, this book is perfect to read near Halloween because it has spooky paranormal elements. However, even reading it in summer, The Spook in the Stacks was a light and fun book. I loved that it wasn't just your typical ghost, but rather a white horse, historical legends, and more. The murder also, in my opinion, was complex and kept me turning the pages and the ending was very satisfying. I look forward to picking up this series from here on out.

This was the first book I read in this series. I really liked it and will be reading the others, for sure. I loved this author's way with words. I found myself highlighting so many of the sentences. I loved the writing so much, I checked to see what other books and series the author wrote. In addition, the story line was very good. I flew through this book, which isn't always the case with other authors. The characters were great. Love the lighthouse, and library, story. I'd highly recommend this book. A perfect cozy mystery.

As a lighthouse admirer, I was especially interested in that aspect of the story. The culprit was a bit of a surprise. Several interesting characters, some likeable, some not so much. A bit of romance with Lucy and the mayor. Hesitated to read this one as I am not a fan of ghost stories. There was not enough to spoil the mystery for me, but for those who enjoy that sort of thing there is some mention of ghostly things.

Lucy is a smart, funny heroine. I love reading about her adventures and the clever ways that she solves them. A perfect cozy mystery.

After three books in this delightful series it was canceled by its publisher and I was bereft. To think that there would be no more mysteries for Lucy, our intrepid librarian, to unravel and no more visits to North Carolina's Outer Banks. But then Crooked Lane came to the rescue and is now publishing the series. I couldn't wait to settle down in a quiet corner and get lost in the lighthouse.
Lucy is getting things ready for Halloween and strange things are happening - is the Bodie Island Lighthouse haunted? On top of that, the library is in competition to receive the personal collection of Outer Banks historical papers and the competition is serious. So serious, that the wealthy gentleman who owns the collection and has been pitting the various libraries against each other, turns up dead and Lucy sets out to investigate. There are twists and red herrings, some romance and Charles, the library cat - all come together to deliver a very satisfying mystery.

Great, I really enjoy this cozy mystery series! Plus, it is set in a library, which is always a bonus!

It’s Halloween at the Bodie Island lighthouse library in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The library is buzzing with excitement and there are plans for many celebrations. Unfortunately someone spoils the fun when a returning millionaire is murdered in the library. Lucy Richardson tries to solve the case.

Lucy Richardson is back as assistant librarian at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library in Nags Head, North Carolina. Halloween is quickly approaching and the library staff is busy organizing several themed events including several talks by library volunteer Louise Jane. Retired wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle visits and indicates he is planning on donating his collection of North Carolina historical documents. Jay has brought his granddaughter Julia and collection curator Greg Summers with him. The Bodie library is one of the top candidates, as well as the smaller library at the liberal arts Blacklock College. During one of the Halloween event lectures by Louise Jane, someone confronts Jay in the rare books room and kills him.

When Julia becomes the prime suspect, Lucy's besotted friend Theodore begs her to find the real killer. The Halloween theme allowed some paranormal aspects to be added to the story. And Lucy's romantic relationship with mayor Connor also continues to develop in this book.

This was an enjoyable read and it is great that this series is continuing with a new publisher.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

Fantastic edition to a wonderful series! I’m so glad this series was brought back and Eva Gates weaved a tale perfect for a rainy night or anytime you want a great book to read. I can’t wait to read the next book and see what Lucy gets herself tangled into next.

Library, lighthouse, ghosts, a cat named Charles, and Halloween! I'd not read the earlier books in this series but was able to hop right in and work along with Lucy, the intrepid heroine, to solve the murder of Jay, a somewhat unlikeable wealthy man. Jay has been playing organizations in the Outer Banks off each other as he decides who to leave a treasure trove of historic documents. There's also some storm in his personal life so the identification of the murderer will take some work. Lucy is a fine character and I liked her partner/boss Bertie as well. There's some good Outer Banks atmospherics as well as a well written story. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS by Eva Gates is the fourth book in the series but the first to be published by Crooked Lane Books. A big thanks to Crooked Lane Books for publishing this series. We the fans of the Lighthouse Series thank you . Crooked Lane you answered our call ! This is one of my all time favorite cozy series. I love this series and find it charming, fun and always a great sleuth. I have read the entire series and highly recommend the series as well as this delightful next in series.
In this series the Protagonist Lucy is the assistant librarian at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. She lives at at the lighthouse in a charming apartment above the library. It is perfect with a book nook for reading with a view and she loves living in her tiny apartment. She has a wonderful group of friends and even two handsome men always competing for her attention. Her cat Charles is the resident library cat and her companion. he is quite a character and often is very astute about library visitors. She loves being a librarian and is enjoying living on the coast and being a part of this library and community.
The library and town are getting ready to celebrate Halloween, which Lucy would rather not celebrate but Halloween is important to the town. She does not like ghost stories or Halloween. She has heard of many ghost stories about the lighthouse since she moved in and is not a fan of being scared.
Wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle is considering donating his extensive collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. While the library is hosting a popular lecture on ghostly legends, Jay is found by Lucy murdered in the rare books section. Now, it’s up to Lucy to use her sleuthing skills and discover who is the true suspect. Lucy realizes she must work fast to clear all the library staff and the good name of her Lighthouse Library.
Lucy has a knack for solving crimes and works with her local Sheriff often to piece together clues. Its nice to read about a friendly relationship with the Sheriff and they have a mutual interest to find the suspect together. Its a mutual friendship that they both respect. With help from her friends and local merchants she begins to find out more then she bargained for. As the sleuth progresses I found myself enjoying the twist and turns of the suspect list and surprised until the end. Its is always more fun when you are both charmed by the writing and cannot figure out the suspect !
I loved this next in series. All the elements are here for a perfectly enjoyable cozy mystery. I loved the Lighthouse, the library, the community and the supporting charcters. The sleuth is always very well crafted and kept me guessing to the end. A well done new addition to the series. Looking forward to the next in series ! This is a delightful series and the perfect cozy mystery.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment .

"That's it, that's it! the search is over"...Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1970?) I can say I have officially found one of my favorite cozy mystery series. It is just as good as Kate Carlisles Bibliophile and Fixer Upper mysteries. Eva Gates has managed to perfectly combine things I love into one book.: Lighthouses, libraries and cozy mysteries.~ I cannot wait to devour everything I can find by this author and have already asked my librarians to see if we can find any others on interlibrary loan. LOVED IT

I’m so happy this series is back. Thank-you Crooked Lane Books for picking it up. And making available to us. This is number 4 in the series and can be read as a standalone book. The story is set during Halloween at the Bodie Lighthouse Library where Lucy Richardson is the assistant librarian.
During a lecture, an elderly multi-millionaire who is considering donating his collection of Outer Banks North Carolina documents the library is found dead among the stacks. Who would do this and why. Could it be the ghost(s) that Louise Jane has been telling everyone about or is it someone else?

I was kept engaged and was turning the pages as fast as I could finish the last word on the page.
It adds to my enjoyment that there is a library cat, Charles which assists in protecting Lucy. I also enjoy the thought of one of the library workers living above the library in the lighthouse.