This was SUCH a fun read. As a book lover first, and a librarian second, I can't think of a better setting for a library than in an old lighthouse.

The characters in this series are fun, and though I think Gates should have left Watson single so he and Lucy could eventually end up together (JMO), I adore the great friendships and workships and relationships they share. Likeable characters make for likeable reads, and this book was definitely likeable. Lucy, the main character, was believable in that she is not perfect; she is unsure of herself at times and she knows her weaknesses, but she also is fun and clever, and loves her job. She is a dynamic character, and she learns more about herself and grows as a person throughout the story. The secondary characters aren't just throwaways; they are unique and quirky, and man, that Louise Jane is something else...

As for the mystery: a murder set around Halloween against the backdrop of a potentially haunted lighthouse? Yes, please. One thing I really liked was that Lucy was kind of a reluctant amateur sleuth. She isn't super gung-ho about solving the mystery. Mostly she gets roped into it, and even though she keeps trying to extract herself from the situation, she ends up right back in the middle of the goings-on. And when she does eventually solve the crime, it's more through chance than through her deductive reasoning prowess. In a word, it was believable.

Overall, this was a very fun read that very accurately depicts life inside a public library (I know this, because I am the director of a public library) and tells a great story about memorable characters.

I've read the first three books in this series, so the characters and settings weren't new to me. This time around, the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is gearing up for some Halloween celebrations when a wealthy returning local stops in and lets the staff know he's thinking of giving his personal archives to either their library, or one at a small liberal arts college nearby. You can guess what happens next, Yes, a murder. I remember being entertained by the previous books, but this one just bored me. I'm not expecting high art from a cosy mystery, but this one fell flat for me. It might have been because I like books with characters I enjoy, and because Lucy mostly spent time with Theodore and Julie, the donor's granddaughter, the rest of the cast of characters were pretty peripheral. It was okay, but nothing to write home about.

THE SPOOK IN THE STACKS by Eva Gates (aka Vicki Delany) is the fourth book in the series but the first to be published by Crooked Lane Books. I am so happy that this series was revived by a new publisher because I loved this story which features an old lighthouse turned into a library! Protagonist Lucy Richardson is the assistant librarian at the Brodie Island Lighthouse Library. She is lucky enough to live in a small apartment in the lighthouse, situated above the library. It sounds positively charming. The library and town are getting ready to celebrate Halloween, which Lucy would rather skip. She doesn’t consider being scared fun at all. I’ll have to admit, I totally agree with Lucy. I would be more than happy to skip any of the horror-themed stuff Halloween offers but I do enjoy the adorable little kids in their cute costumes of fairies, ladybugs, and princesses.

Ms. Gates weaves an enticing tale of an academic fight over a private historic collection, a reclusive multi-millionaire found murdered in the library, and a mysterious ghost horse that arrives in the creepy fog. In amongst the murder mystery, which Lucy gets pulled into helping solve at the bequest of the murdered man’s granddaughter, there is the theme of families torn apart and then reunited and unrequited love. These subplots add to the appeal of the story and pulled me in until I couldn’t help myself and turned pages late into the night. The exciting reveal provided a twist that I didn’t see coming and left me hoping the next installment is soon to follow.

It's Halloween, and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is embracing the season with gusto. They are decorating with skeletons and the replica of a haunted ship, and hosting talks about local hauntings and legends.

During this time a wealthy businessman comes to the library to tell them they are on the top of the list to receive his collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, but the competition for the collection is fierce. And why they are hosting one of the talks, Jay is ordered in the rare books room. Assistant Librarian Lucy Richardson has sworn to stay away from the investigation, but things don't always work out as they are supposed to, and Lucy puts her skills to use in an effort to find the killer.

I absolutely love the Lighthouse Library books, and having one set against the backdrop of Halloween is great fun. The book club is reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Ms. Gates masterfully weaves the tale of The Spook in the Stacks in with the well known Halloween tale. Lucy sees a ghostly horse near the library, and the crew of a model ship moves around the deck without someone touching them.

The eerie happenings add to the atmosphere of The Spook in the Stacks, and I could feel Lucy's trepidation when she saw the horse and ran for the lighthouse. I would have been running, too. Another great feature of this book is the deepening relationship between Lucy and her boyfriend, Mayor Connor McNeil. Watching them together added to the emotion of this story, and was a wonderful addition to the plot.

If you haven't tried this series you should. The combination of a wonderful cast of characters and a fantastic setting makes for entertaining reading.

Celebrate Halloween all year round with The Spook in the Stacks.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Halloween in North Carolina’s Outer Banks is always special. This year it becomes seriously tricky when librarian Lucy stumbles across something extra unusual in the rare books section: a dead body.

Wealthy businessman Jay Ruddle is considering donating his extensive collection of North Carolina historical documents to the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Unfortunately, while the library is hosting a lecture on ghostly legends, Jay is murdered in the rare books section. Now, it’s up to Lucy Richardson to use her detective skills and discover who is responsible for this wicked Halloween homicide.

--

Series: A Lighthouse Library Mystery - Book 4
Author: Eva Gates https://www.lighthouselibrarymysteries.com/
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/

Publishing Date June 12, 2018

The Spook in the Stacks is a delightfully fun read that doesn’t require it to be Halloween to enjoy. Lucy is a mild-mannered Librarian whose only real goal is to be happy. Whether that is with the town mayor, Conner or by herself really doesn’t matter. She loves her job and her small apartment high above the lighthouse Library, and she has no intention of leaving either any time soon. Her fur companion, Charles is the perfect library cat, and her protector when she thinks things may not be what they seem to be inside the old Lighthouse.

The characters throughout this book and the series are very well written. They have complexities and habits that are woven into the story seamlessly. They are typical of a small town and yet uniquely different in many ways. Lucy’s boss and the ever-present, Theodore make the story come to life as unknown facets of their life and character are slowly revealed to the reader.

Of course, Nags Head is a beautiful location filled with history and charm. During Halloween, there is any number of ghost stories in the small sleepy town that rival those of locations much older and far more historical. Yet it appears every time a person walks down the sidewalk they trip over a new historical fact or myth. The character of Louise Jane brings all the stories to life at the library for young and old.

The plot is kept in mind throughout the action at all times. There are no deviations along the way from the murder to the solution, and although the solution comes unexpectedly, it is handled with care and heroism. The writing is smooth, clean and filled with enough detail to keep the reader engaged.

I happily recommend The Spook in the Stacks to readers of all age. If you enjoy a fast-paced, original mystery with wonderful characters, lovely locations, and libraries filled with books, you will enjoy this book and series.

ARC provided by NetGalley

This is book #4 in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series and is the BEST so far! It takes place in October and the library is hosting several Halloween -themed events. Sometimes cozy mysteries get carried away with the holiday themes but this one does a good job and it is very enjoyable. Jay Ruddle was once a local who moved away but is back in town along with his granddaughter and his curator. He has a very valuable rare collection he wants to donate either to Bodie Island Lighthouse Library or a college nearby. At one of the events, Jay ends up dead in the rare book section of the library! There are several possible suspects and Lucy helps the police solve the crime. This is a very enjoyable book with everything I love about cozy mysteries - interesting likeable characters, intriguing mystery but not graphic or intense, and a low-key romance. Very enjoyable!

It’s late October and Halloween is just around the corner. What better place for tales of ghost ships and scary haunts than a lighthouse converted into a library located on the Outer Banks? Librarian Lucy Richardson is not a believer but is looking forward to the book group discussion of Sleepy Hollow and the upcoming programs that promise creepy tales of local ghostly legends. When former resident and owner of the most complete collection of North Carolina historical documents turns up dead in the library it puts a darker spin on tales of ghosts and wrong doings.

I really enjoy books that give hints of ghosts and historical tales. This one is a little light in that department but doesn’t disappoint in the general story telling. Gates’ fourth installment in the Lighthouse Library series is a fun read filled with a little romance, spooky ghosts and the feel of autumn in the air. This series makes me want to visit the Outer Banks. It will be a perfect read in front of the first fire of the season and a cup of hot cider.

The Spook in the Stacks is a delightfully fun book to read. The Halloween setting especially adds to the charm of this book, and even though Halloween is not for a few months yet, I felt that I was right there at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library in the Outer Banks of North Carolina making preparations for all sorts of festivities. Lucy Richardson, the librarian, is a Halloween skeptic, but even she finds herself swept into the preparations. This book has it all -- cursed pirate ships, mysterious lights and fog figures outside the library at night, programs featuring Louise Jane and her Outer Banks ghost stories, along with a murder of a potential benefactor in the library's rare book room. With the Bodie Island Library's reputation at stake, Lucy is determined to investigate with the help of the library gang and friends.

I loved the much-anticipated Spook in the Stacks and was so happy to see this fourth installment in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series and hope there will be more to follow. Even though this book is the fourth in the series, it can definitely stand on its own and will whet your appetite for more.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Spook in the Stacks is Eva Gates’ fourth book in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. In this edition, it is fall in Nags Head, North Carolina, and the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is all decked out for the autumn celebration which will include presentations from the town’s own ghost story teller, Louise Jane McKaughan. She has set up displays and will be giving talks about the hauntings of Nags Head. Librarian Lucy Richardson, self proclaimed Grinch of Halloween, is not thrilled by the events, but the patrons are excited about the activities.

Also, something the library may have to celebrate is the potential gift of a collection of maritime artifacts from furniture magnate and native son, Jay Ruddle. Jay, his granddaughter Julia, and collection curator Greg, are visiting Nags Head to decide whether it will be the Lighthouse Library or a small nearby liberal arts college who will receive the gift. Although head librarian Bertie is excited by the possibility, it is North Carolina history professors Lizzie and Norm who seem to be after the collection at any cost.

Jay is then murdered in the library’s rare book room on a sunny afternoon with hundreds of people on the library grounds for one of Louise Jane’s talks. Those present include Jay’s granddaughter, Greg, and both of the professors. As Detective Watson works to solve the case, Lucy keeps her eyes and ears open as she and Bertie collect clues to help catch the culprit and save the collection for the Lighthouse, not to mention its reputation.

Meanwhile, a very heated race is being run between Lucy’s fellow, Mayor Connor McNeil, and less than scrupulous opponent, Doug Whiteside. Doug slings mud and murder innuendos as he continues his efforts to exploit the old Lighthouse for his own financial gain. When the mystery comes to a head, the fair Julia is at risk and a most unlikely hero comes to her aid along with Lucy.

This is a well plotted tale filled with interesting characters and lovely landscapes. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it for fans of this genre.

I was so glad to see that one of my favorite cozy mystery series was picked up by Crooked Lane Books. I enjoyed my visit to The Outer Banks of North Carolina and "caught up" with Lucy and the other librarians of the Lighthouse Library. A rich benefactor is thinking of leaving his rare historical papers to the Lighthouse Library, but may decide on leaving them to a local college. He is murdered while visiting the library and Lucy works with his family and police to find the murderer. There is light romance thrown in as we watch Lucy's adjustment to dating the town's mayor as he runs for reelection and the author has also thrown in a Halloween theme. This book and the whole series is recommended to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.

oday I am reviewing a book that I am so grateful to Crooked Lane Books for publishing. The Lighthouse Library Series by Author Eva Gates is one of my most favorite. I have always loved lighthouses and have dreamed of living in one, so when the series came out about a librarian who lived in a lighthouse library I knew this was a book I had to read. I actually bought the series and to see this one picked up and saved by Crooked Lane Books makes my heart soar. In Spook in the Stacks the amazing Library Crew, Book Club and fabulous Mayor are back and it is Halloween. Favorite time of year for me and to read it on one of the hottest days on record here was a welcome reprieve. I was easily transported to the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the fog and the mist, the mystery and a bit of imagination made the words Eva wrote jump of the page with just that much more meaning. I loved this book. The mystery I did not figure out until the big reveal and my heart just was so full when I finished reading it. This is a cozy lovers delight, a lighthouse enthusiasts treat and a very good read!
This book is out June 12th!

We are back in North Carolina's Outer Banks at the Lighthouse Library. It is Halloween time and Librarian Lucy once again finds a dead body. So, we have books, a book club, a dead body and since it is Halloween we may have ghosts. Fun read.

The fourth entry in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series finds the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library competing for a rare collection of Outer Banks historical documents to be donated by collector Jay Ruddle.

At the same time, the library organized a series of events celebrating Halloween featuring Louise Jane, a volunteer who believes in ghosts and is known for her entertaining lectures and storytelling. Juggling activities for Halloween with meetings to impress the potential donor keep Bertie James, Library Director, and her assistant Lucy Richardson on their toes. Unfortunately, Ruddle is murdered as he studies the rare map collection while a series of activities are taking place outside the library – a children’s Halloween Party Saturday morning is followed by Louise Jane’s stories and legends of the Outer Banks after lunch.

The first suspects to be interviewed are his granddaughter Julia and his assistant, Greg. Then Julia’s mother, Anna, turns up after being absent for some 20 years. Along with her husband she becomes a suspect as she is broke and hopeful her daughter will take care of her financially. Two representatives from a college competing for the collection try to bribe the library into withdrawing from consideration. Plenty of red herrings, surprises and hints of spooks that populate Halloween.

The Spook in the Stacks is a highly entertaining read. Lucy Richardson lives in a tiny apartment atop the lighthouse with Charles, the library cat. Charles, an expressive feline, offers clues to help Lucy find the killer. This is a well-developed mystery populated by comfortable characters, using realistic dialogue and situations. The story moves along at a pleasant pace. Libraries make opportune settings for mystery booklovers and Eva Gates takes full advantage.

This is the fourth in this series and each one gets better than the last. I had initially read where the series was ending with 3 titles and was so glad to hear that it was continuing. This installment revolves around Halloween and the book club reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Wealthy Jay Ruddle comes home to the Outer Banks to talk with the Library Director about the possibility of donating his collection of historical documents to the Lighthouse Library. He is murdered before his decision his decision is announced. Lucy and her friends must try and find out why and how Jay Ruddle was murdered in the library during some outdoor Halloween festivities. The murderer took me totally by surprise although you almost knew that Ruddle would be the victim not too far into the book. I do recommend it to anyone who likes books about libraries or librarians.

An entertaining read and fourth book in the lighthouse library series. The library board decided that there would a Halloween display at the lighthouse and would include a number of public events. Lucy Richardson would manage the popular events. Jay Ruddle, a wealthy owner who grew on Bodie Island had not been back for nine years. He or a large collection of historical North Carolina documents and he looking for a home. He had narrow down to two places. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library one of them. Strange things are taken place on the island. Lucy begins to see a white horse who is not there. Tiny figures move and a miniature ghost ship loan to the library. At ghostly legends a Jay Ruddle is murder. Lucy plans to stay out of the investigation until she makes friends with Jay's daughter. Will Lucy find an answer before she loses her life? I recommend this book.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

Very pleased that this series was picked up by this publisher.
A solid cozy that fans will be thrilled to read.

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, probably because it involves my favorite things: libraries, books, mysteries, and the Outer Banks. Some of the library details are a bit inaccurate, but it's still a fun, entertaining series.

Lucy Richardson is the assistant librarian for the Bodie Island library. The library is in the lighthouse and they are setting up for a Halloween exhibit. Jay Ruddle is visiting the library. He owns a rare collection of historical books and documents and is considering donating his collection to the library. His granddaughter Julia and his personal assistant Greg are visiting the library with him. During a presentation of ghosts in the lighthouse, Jay goes to the rare book section to look things over. After the talks, Lucy goes looking for Jay and finds him among the rare books, dead! Lucy has to solve Jay’s murder. I enjoyed this drama filled mystery as I enjoy settinga of libraries or lighthouses. The presentation on ghosts was also interesting. Thank you to net galley for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of this book.

This fourth installment of The Lighthouse Library Mysteries was another home run. Eva Gates excels at research and weaving a story that is smart, tight, and non-stop excitement.
Hurry up next one ❤❤

Librarian Lucy Richardson is in the middle of preparing her workplace for Halloween. Jay Ruddle, a former businessman, wants to leave his collection of historical documents to a library in North Carolina. Many institutions are vying for the collection, including the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. When Jay Ruddle turns up dead in the rare books section, Lucy has to find the culprit amongst the false leads and mysterious happenings surrounding the holiday.
This is a great cozy mystery to read on a dark and stormy night. I liked how the author used The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as a backdrop to this story. The red herrings and clues kept me guessing the whole time, and the ending surprised me. Since this was my first Eva Gates story, I loved how a lighthouse was used as the setting of the library. What bothered me was when a love interest wooed a woman by trickery and deceit. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.