Lucy returns as she and Connor settle into their new home. There’s lots of work to be done. But there’s also some unsettling activity. Louise Jane would like to blame it on spirits as well as others. But Lucy feels differently. When she finds a body in the kitchen, she’s off to solve this murder. This is an enjoyable mystery. And it’s fun seeing the new home evolve.

Death by Beach Read
A Lighthouse Library Mystery
by: Eva Gates
Crooked Lane Books
Pub Date: June 07, 2022
Mystery & Thrillers

Ninth in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series, Death by Beach Read is cozy, atmospheric, and suspenseful. Amid the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, a historic cottage in Nags Head Beach harbors secrets and intrigue for new owners Lucy and her Mayor beau Connor. Their endearing and intuitive cat, Charles, is quite invested himself in solving a murder which happens in the cottage, along with Lucy and the entire community.

Her job at the Bodie Lighthouse Library plus planning her wedding keep Lucy busy, but life is interrupted as she works on solving the case of the mysterious dead body. Book and beach lovers will thrill with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore setting, plus a historical library and a Classic Novel Reading Club. I'd love a summertime visit to Nags Head to check out books from Lucy's Library and read them on a deck overlooking crashing waves, I'll gladly wait until the murder is solved, though!

Author Gates excels in providing details and descriptions of place which pull her readers in to the mystery and location. I had not read other books in this series, but felt this book could serve as a standalone. Like others, though, I would like to read the full set of books. I can't resist books featuring libraries, especially in such a gorgeous setting. This book will fit in nicely with the book collections of cozy mystery fans.

Thank you to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
 #DeathbyBeachRead #NetGalley #EvaGates #CrookedLaneBooks

Libraries, particularly one in an unique setting (a lighthouse!), the Outer Banks of North Carolina with an older house in need of renovations—the perfect combination for a perfect read. Lucy is busy making plans for her upcoming wedding, decorating their ongoing renovated house while still busy with her library duties. Yet strange things are happening at the beach house. Finding a dead body in their kitchen but who is this person and why would someone try to break and enter into this house after so long a time it has sat neglected? There are a few suspects but the book Lucy has chosen for the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library Book Club is “House of the Seven Gables” and, along with the desserts always served at the meetings brings out a capacity crowd thinking they will hear more rumors of the victim. I particularly liked this book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series for the way Lucy inspires her patrons and neighbors alike plus the warm relationship she has with her future in-laws. Charlie, the library’s cat, is worth a read alone. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an Advance Reader Copy and this is my unbiased review.

I have pretty much loved everything about this series, and this book continues with all my favorite things. It was a bit odd, at first, to see so little of Lucy in the library. But, since it’s still such a central focus of her life and we have Charles going most places with her, I’m okay with the change. This mystery ran circles around me. At no point did I have the correct suspect picked out. And even when we got to the big reveal, I was still caught off guard. I may have only just finished reading this book, but already I’m itching to get my hands on the next in the series.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.

Lucy and Connor didn't exactly count on a ghostly roommate when they started working on fixing up the Harper house on the beach, but good ole Louise Jane's always hoping for a new haunt to talk about. Lucy didn't think for a minute that the noises she heard in their house had anything to do with a ghost but more like a flesh 'n blood intruder...which they'd find out soon enough when a guy was killed in their house.

OMG I was so unhappy to see that Diane, one of the nasty previous library board members was back in town and just wondered what kind of trouble she'd get into this time. Then we met Ralph's recluse sister Jo who surprised everyone by attending book club. Another woman came around claiming to be the dead guy's ex-wife and wanting her fair share of the house's sales. Was it one of them whodunit...or could one of Louise Jane's wishes come true, and the man was killed by a ghost? Not that she'd ever wish someone was killed by a ghost, but she sure likes talking about ghosts.

Lucy definitely had her plate full...again with juggling the murder and sometimes actually being asked to help Sam, she was planning her wedding, and there was pesky Diane back in town probably hoping to get back on the library board. What's a girl to do? Well for starters, you just cuddle a certain library cat named Charles. Speaking of Charles, he got to be a hero cat in this book-I always love when a pet gets to intervene and help. Poor guy, I felt bad for the cat having to get used to living in a house when he previously had full run of the library.

That showdown was something else, but Lucy used her head about at least part of it, and there was some good evidence to turn in. It was pretty sweet how poor, troubled Jo had gotten some closure for an event that'd still haunted her from long ago. And a nice older gentleman got a new friend in her. I'm really eager now for the next book figuring and hoping it's Lucy and Connor's wedding story. As in everything Lucy does, I'm sure it's gonna be an adventure-filled tale!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Thank You to NetGalley for this free e-arc. All opinions are my own.

The Lighthouse Library Mystery series is my favorite series of all time with Harry Potter and The Infernal Devices and that says a lot!

What makes me always come back is the characters. They feel soo real I have a real problem. I refuse to acknowledge the fact that I will never be able to hang out at the Light House Librairy and I will always be crying over this.

This installment was one of my favorite because there is soo much change in the character dynamics! Some characters are finally moving, realizing a dream, getting back in the community... Let's say it was a ride! The mystery part was one of my absolute favorite in the series. I never saw it coming.

I really hope Eva Gates continue writing this series. Now, I'm going to wait at my window until the delivery man comes with my physical copy of this book!

Lucy and Connor have moved into their new home with extensive renovations. But a dead man appears on their kitchen floor and a former foe has popped up again. Domestic tranquility will have to wait.
I liked the new abode for the couple and the continuing community involvement. I thought the mystery was good and everything was wrapped up very well.
New relationships are sparked and some old wounds finally healed in this lovely little seascape on the Outerbanks. And don’t forget the cat!

This is the 9th book in the Lighthouse Library series and I had only read book 1. Even with that, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Lucy and Connor have just bought a historic cottage right on Nags Head Beach that needs major renovations. Connor and his dad are fixing it up and it's finally ready to move into parts of the house. On her first night, however, she's on her own while Connor is at a conference or of town. She and Charlie the cat both hear noises like someone is in the house. The Cottage is rumored to be haunted, but Lucy is insistent that the intruder was human. After generations of being owned by the same family, the house has many secrets and Lucy is determined to get to the bottom of things, especially after an unknown man with ties to the house is found murdered in her kitchen.
Implausible yet fun that this quirky small town librarian keeps finding so much trouble. I love the thought of a library inside a lighthouse and was sad to see Lucy and Charlie move out of the apartment. I need to catch up with the rest of the series now.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

This was a fun cozy mystery set on Nags Head, North Carolina. I enjoyed the lighthearted story of Lucy the librarian preparing to get married, buying a fixer upper on the Outer Banks and, of course, a murder to solve. There were even some ghosty issues to deal with! Thank you Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

We return to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where Lucy and Connor have found a home. It needs renovations, but it is an unpainted aristocracy which is what they wanted, and it is in a terrific location (on the beach). Lucy loves her job, her fiancé, and her new home. She has started her wedding plans, but there are still many items to complete. But then strange things begin to happen in the house. Footsteps, doors left open, and footprints in dust in the unfinished living room. The house is rumored to be haunted, but Lucy is not buying the paranormal explanation. Then one evening, Lucy and Connor find a man dead in their kitchen. When they learn the victim’s identity, Lucy discovers that the man had a connection to their home. Lucy intends find out why the man was in their home, how he got in, and who killed him. It is a coincidence that the Classic Novel Reading Club is reading The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Lucy finds a few parallels between the book and what has been happening at her new home. Lucy soon learns that her house troubles are not over. Can Lucy clear up the mystery before the killer strikes again? Death by Beach Read by Eva Gates is ninth A Lighthouse Library Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on a delightful series. I thought Death by Beach Read was well-written with realistic, developed characters. I enjoy the wonderful descriptions of the Outer Banks. I would love to live in that area. All our favorite characters are back plus a couple of new additions. Charles, the library cat, returns with attitude. Charles is one smart cat and a good judge of character. The mystery was fun. It was well-plotted with red herrings and good clues. I like how the mystery ties into the book that the book club is reading. I was delighted with the spookiness of the mystery. I was able to solve the mystery early in the book, but that did not hinder my pleasure. The reveal was exciting and provided the answers Lucy had been seeking. I loved the descriptions of the unpainted aristocracy homes including Lucy and Connor’s. I was sorry when my visit to the Outer Banks came to an end. Death by Beach Read is a hauntingly good time with unpainted aristocracy renovations, baffling footsteps, a Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, a jolly Louise Jayne, a haunted history, a mystifying murder, and a fiery finish.

Death By Beach Read is book #9 in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.

Lucy and Connor are in their new home while the renovations are being completed. Everything is going well until they find a stranger’s body in their home.

I enjoy reading stories based on the Outer Banks. The characters, at least most of them, are wonderful. I can only hope my cats would be as helpful as Charles. The history of the Lucy’s new house was interesting and added to the mystery. There were a lot of twists to keep me guessing who the guilty party was. Lucy does need to learn that just because some knocks on your door, you don’t need to let them in.

Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is such a good series! There was less of a presence of the lighthouse library in this installment, but I didn’t feel that it detracted from the enjoyment of the story. The mystery was well done and kept you guessing. I thought the side storyline about the previous owners of Lucy and Connor’s house added an interesting component to the mystery.

This is an excellent series and even if not my favorite this was a good mystery full of twists as Eva Gates/Vicky Delaney is an excellent writer.
I missed a bit the atmosphere of the lighthouse but the new house is promising and I loved the creepy parts at the beginning.
The mystery is solid and I couldn't guess the motive even if I guessed the culprit.
I can't wait to read the next mystery
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Connor and Lucy have moved in together into a fifteen -year unoccupied beach house which needs work. Connor and his father are enjoy doing most of the work themselves until Lucy finds a dead body in her kitchen.

I found the human story behind the previous owners intriguing. It added a lot to the story. Also, the newest librarian staff member, Louise, isn’t threatened by Lucy. She is still out there but not mean towards Lucy.
I can’t wait for the next installment.

I am thankful to Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced readers’ copy and I am not required to leave a positive review.

In Death by Beach Read, librarian Lucy and her boyfriend Mayor Connor are fixing up their recently purchased beach house. The house is rumored to be haunted but it is a real corpse that Lucy finds on their kitchen floor.

Death by Beach Read is my least favorite book in the series. I really missed Lucy’s lighthouse apartment and the dynamics of the library staff that were so evident in the rest of the series. However, the book would still make a good beach read. The characters are relatable, and the mystery is relatively easy to solve. Overall, for me, a disappointed 3 stars.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC.

I read this story unaware that it was part of a series. Despite that, I found myself enjoying this, and found that this was able to be read as a standalone read. (and being able to quickly enjoy the characters introduced)

This story follows Lucy and Connor who have moved into their dream home, a historic cottage on the Nags Head Beach. The cottage itself has its own history, involving the family of the previous owners, which seems to have an effect presently.

I really enjoyed this mystery read, and found myself guessing who the ultimate culprit was throughout the entire read.

A true cozy mystery with a well thought-out plot.

This is the ninth book in the series; however, it is my first Eva Gates book. Coming from the standpoint of not reading the previous installations, I really thought that Death by Beach Read held up well as a stand-alone title.

The only part of the book that gave me pause was Mr. Snider. Something about him and Joe made me feel off. That feeling may go away with further character development but the interactions between them left me a little uncomfortable in this installation.

The book kept a good pace, introduced several interesting secondary characters, and left me wanting to read more about Lucy's adventures. I will certainly be looking into the previous titles to fully catch-up on this series.

When Lucy and her fiancé Connor buy the old Harper house in Nags Head, they end up getting a little more than they bargained for. Being an old house it needs a lot of work, comes with a lot of history and is even rumored to be haunted. Lucy has a few unexplained encounters that leave her a little on edge, and when the couple come home one night to a dead body in their kitchen, they quickly realize there’s more history to this house than they anticipated. What ties does the man have to the house and why on earth would anyone want him dead? Lucy is all for helping the police investigate, but is she prepared for what they’ll uncover in the process?
Thank you Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Eva Gates for the opportunity to read and review this little gem! This is book nine in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. I have not yet read the books leading up to this one in the series, and while I was able to enjoy the this as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the others before diving into this one. I am a sucker for cozy mysteries and after reading this one, I’ll be adding this series to my list! The book was a fairly quick and easy read. I loved the characters and the fact that there is a lighthouse library involved just makes it that much more appealing! If you’re a cozy mystery fan, be sure to check this book out! I’m rating this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This series has such a wonderful setting with Lucy living and working in the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. All the previous books were set in the library with a few excursions out but mostly centered in the library. At some point a series must grow and items that worked well together have to be separated. I missed the library in this one as it wasn’t prominently featured, instead focusing on Lucy and the house she has purchased with her fiancé, Connor and I feel it lost a lot of its charm. The mystery was interesting but never quite caught my interest. I hope the series returns to the library.