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.

Death Knells and Wedding Bells is the 10th Lighthouse library mystery by Eva Gates. Released 6th June 2023 by Crooked Lane, it's 272 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out second quarter 2024. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a clean cozy mystery featuring real-life book recommendations scattered throughout the story, a cat (a Himalayan called Charles Dickens), a newlywed librarian main character, a library in a lighthouse (which doesn't really feature centrally in this installment). Although it's part of a series, there's enough backstory woven into the plot that it works fine as a standalone. The ensemble cast is full of eccentric small town characters, but the author is skillful enough and the writing technically adept enough that the whole works well enough. It's evenly plotted, if -quite- tropey: an absent minded Latin professor who shouldn't ever be allowed off leash and a smattering of less-than-reputable small-time actors and thoroughly unpleasant in-laws and hangers-on.

The language is squeaky clean, no cursing whatsoever. The denouement and resolution were satisfying and there were some last minute twists which added a nice coda to the ending. Since there are 10 books extant in the series (and no signs of slowing down), it would make a good candidate for a long binge or buddy read.

This is simply a well written, readable, and enjoyable library cozy (with cat). There are also a number of fun bonus reading prompts referenced in the book which will lead the reader to other books and series. I also liked that the author highlights the fun and social aspects of book clubs. Talking about books with other book lovers adds another whole level of enjoyment. It's well worth a look for fans of the genre.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours and 37 minutes and is well read by series narrator Elise Arsenault. She has a husky alto voice and does a good job of keeping a considerable cast of characters distinct and easy to follow. This is a dialogue heavy book and I didn't get mixed up or have to go back and re-listen to keep up. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I've read several Lighthouse Library books, and they are pleasant, with nice characters with whom you enjoy spending time. Importantly, while some story elements arc across the novels, they also function as stand alone books. Librarian Lucy Richardson is finally marrying her long time sweetheart, Connor MacNeil, mayor and dentist, and the whole community is ready to celebrate. I really loved that Ms. Gates started the story at the reception; she didn't suck the reader into the melodrama that television and social media would have us believe attends modern weddings. Unfortunately for Lucy, one of their guests is found dead, and it soon is established that the death was a murder. Also unfortunately for Lucy, her friend the sheriff is not heading the investigation, but the new homicide detective in town is, and he is not appreciative of her efforts to help solve the murder. This a great summer read. Lucy and Connor are a nice, normal couple, and the interjection of their extended families into the mix provides nice relief to the usual library staff who get involved in Lucy's escapades. Fast paced, the story takes place over just a few days, and is paced well. The Outer Banks setting plays a slightly more prominent role this time, and as I love a well developed setting, I enjoyed that very much. Recommended

Plot: What an exciting premise that immediately pulls readers in. The day after her wedding, Lucy finds the dead body of one of the wedding guests in a locked closet. Ever persistent, Lucy unravels clue after clue until she uncovers the mystery.

Characters: Every character felt textured with a backstory and quirky characteristics. Finishing this book felt like saying goodbye to a group of new friends (and enemies) I had made. Even the cat had a personality!

Setting: Beautiful coastal town setting with a lighthouse library. I adored the setting.

Conflict/Resolution: The pacing was perfect and so were the reveals of the many clues involving a variety of shady characters. I felt like I was right alongside Lucy trying to uncover the mystery. Everything about the conflict was truly dynamic.

Writing: Such an easy to read writing style fitting for a cozy mystery.

Princess Fuzzypants here: This series has always been a favourite with a great characters, a stellar kitty and a great backdrop of a library in a lighthouse. It just tickles my imagination. It has been fun watching the relationships build so when this book starts with the marriage of Lucy and Connor, the reader feels like an invited guest.

Sadly, one of the plus ones will not enjoy the celebration. He meets his end in a tiny closet in the hotel and the investigation into his murder puts a pall on the happiness. Lucy is alarmed when a friend, whose actions are highly suspicious, is the prime suspect. Her friend, detective Sam, is grateful for her observations and help. A newly recruited detective is most definitely not impressed. In fact, he is outright hostile to Lucy. But Lucy is not discouraged.

One of the things that drives me crazy with some cozies is the heroine who blithely wanders into dangerous situation after dangerous situation. I consider some nominees for the Darwin Award. I really liked when Lucy takes account of her actions and explains why she keeps asking questions. It was refreshing and when Lucy is in a life and death struggle, it is not her actions that have put her there. Good thing kitty Charles is there. He is the hero which I happen to adore.

I enjoyed the book, beginning to end. Five purrs and two paws up.

So happy to revisit the Lighthouse Library series by Eva Gates in Death Knells and Wedding Bells! This is a terrific series and it's been a while since I've read the most recent book. Seriously - I hate waiting!

But, I have to say, the wait was oh-so worth it! The story opens with Lucy and Connor's wedding and a fun cast of characters both inside the usual nuclear group of family and friends and out. The next day, at a post-wedding family luncheon (well played on the upcoming Paris honeymoon!), a body was discovered.

Let the sleuthing begin!

I love that Lucy doesn't do anything overly stupid along the way. She just uses her smarts and has a good memory which is half the battle. She's friends with one of the police detectives and then gets caught up in things. :-P Fortunately, all's well that ends well in this story, but the ending is not at all what I expected while reading. Gates does an excellent job weaving a tale with a large number of characters without one ever making it confusing for the reader.

Side Notes:

* For a married couple, they didn't seem very affectionate toward each other. Sure, it's a cozy, but goodness! Could we have a little romance and flirting, please, during the handful of days immediately following their wedding?
* Gloria was a hoot - thanks for making her amusingly overbearing without making her an annoying snob. I kind of hope our main characters end up in New Orleans someday.

I look forward to reading Lucy and Connor's next adventure!

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Death Knells and Wedding Bells: A Lighthouse Library Mystery
By Eva Gates
Crooked Lane Books
June 2023

Review by Cynthia Chow

It’s happening! Bodie Island Lighthouse Librarian Lucy Richardson is finally marrying Nags Head mayor Connor McNeil, and while they will be delaying their honeymoon in Paris, they still have a perfect Outer Banks wedding. Despite her many inopportune encounters with murder, she and Connor successfully make their way down the aisle to become husband and wife. It’s not until the next day that her Aunt Joyce’s wedding date goes missing, only to later be found in a locked closet. Not-quite-a-gigolo despite his expenses all being paid by his date for the ceremony, Wayne Fortunada is not unduly mourned by the bankrolling Aunt Joyce. More concerning for Lucy is that not only does the new Detective Kyle North suspect one of Lucy’s nearest and dearest of being the murderer, he lays out the theory that her record of mystery-solving is a little too coincidental for her to ever have been just an innocent – if meddling -bystander.

Being an amateur detective is one thing, but being thought of as a possible serial killer is another. So utilizing all of her considerable librarian skills, Lucy is determined to prove her innocence and solve the murder. Family tensions are already running high since her uninvited ex-sister-in-law arrived with her own oversized Boy Toy, infuriating Lucy’s brother and leading to a family brawl. Keeping the book themes in mind, the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library Classic Novel Bookclub has something of a Manor Mystery to solve, even including a Poe-character-named victim hidden in a closet. With the friendlier police presence taking a backseat to the far more aggressive investigations of Detective North, Lucy is on a deadline to keep her family out of jail and solve a murder before she and Connor can finally depart for their dream destination.

This 10th in the series rewards longtime fans with appearances by all of their favorite characters. Louisa Jane McKaughnan continues to be her eccentric, fake-ghost-psychic self, but she has finally settled in as an actual library staffer who doesn’t see Lucy as a threat. Lucy’s own family is often more supportive than actually helpful, but they are a delightful presence and add humor and charm to the North Carolina Island’s setting. The unbelievably prolific author of multiple series also written under her own name, Vicki Delany can always be relied upon for mysteries led by clever heroines in compelling settings. By now the author is an experienced hand at delivering satisfying cozy mysteries, ones filled with elaborate food preparations and of course an adorable cat library companion. New readers to the series may require a closer reading until they become familiar with Lucy’s family and the Bodie Island locals, but all will enjoy the satisfying conclusion and reveal that leads to the Lighthouse Librarian’s Happily Ever After ending.

A mystery with a wedding and books is always a winner and this one didn't disappoint. I've this series from the beginning and knew that one Lucy and Conner would be husband and wife. However, Lucy gets involved with another murder and will do her best to get it solved. Her reading club is always available to help with the case. It was nice to visit the Outer Banks again in another well-done mystery. I almost enjoy the relationships between the characters grow as much as the mystery itself. I'm already for the next one.

Eva Gates showcases her Lighthouse Library mysteries with Death Knells and Wedding Bells as librarian Lucy marries her bridegroom Connor who also is mayor of their small community. One of the guests is found strangled in the hotel the next day. Whodunit? Lucy's family or plus ones from the wedding? Members of the community. The dead man had been the escort of her aunt; he also had a past as a shady actor and blackmailer. Many suspects and a surprise twist to the ending.

This is easily one of my favorite cozy series. This latest installment was a fantastic read and one that kept me guessing at the different threads as the mystery progressed. I enjoyed everything about this story and devoured this one. Having a case on the heels of Lucy's wedding was a fun setting and timing for the current mystery. Great read!

I have really enjoyed the books in the Lighthouse Library series by Eva Gates. The characters are richly developed and I have come to love Lucy and Connor and the other people on the Outer Banks of NC. There are lots of twists and turns as you travel through the pages and uncover random clues to the murder mystery. Though I know there is not really a library in the Bodie Island Lighthouse, I can envision one and would love to either visit one or have the opportunity to work in a lighthouse library. I guess I can add that to my bucket list! Charles, Lucy’s library cat, plays a major role in the resolution of the “whodunit.” I was cheering him on! Eva Gates does a great job writing cozy mysteries and I can’t wait for the next adventure with the Outer Banks gang.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

This series is a must-read for me!
I love how the characters are developing as the series progresses, and I hope there are more to come!

I enjoy traveling back to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with the Lighthouse Library mystery series. With great characters and great mysteries, this perfect for fans of the cozy mystery genre.

Lucy gets a call from her boss saying that a friend has disappeared right after a body was found at her wedding! Talk about a memorable occasion. Lucy sets out to find the real killer while continuing the wedding celebration weekend. Lucy has quite the knack for recalling tiny bits of information that lead to a break in the case. The quirky supporting characters add to the story. This is a fun but a bit more high end cozy mystery.

The author has again added an enjoyable book to her Lighthouse Cozy Mysteries series. Lucy McNeil (née Richardson) had been married at a well-planned ceremony followed by a great reception. As one might expect in an Eva Gates mystery, the reception ended with a murder. The victim was not very nice, but even he did not deserve to die.

With plenty of suspects, it would take the Nags Head Police Department with the help of amature sleuth Lucy McNeil days of hard work to find the responsible person. The library located on the Outer Banks along the North Carolina sea shore offered it clues along with a memorable setting for a wedding and/or vacation.

This reader’s attention was held in place - with multiple late nights trying to piece together the clues and find the right suspect. I have no problem giving the book 5-stars; I am sure others will as well. ______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Love this series. Has a great setting that takes place on the outer banks. Lots of details on the area. It has great characters and was a great cozy mystery. Hope there’s more in the series

I have been waiting for Lucy and Connor's wedding since practically the first book. Even when there was a bit of triangle starting, I was always rooting for Lucy and Connor. This book didn't disappoint. The mystery was great and very entertaining. Kept me guessing till the end.

Death Knell and Wedding Bells is the 10th installment in the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. However, it is the first book I have read in the series. I instantly liked Librarian Lucy and the cast of characters in this Nags Head, NC, cozy mystery.

The setting, the mystery surrounding a missing guest and murdered guest at her wedding, the nod to Sherlock Holmes, and characters all captured my attention and made for an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading this series from the start.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher due an advanced copy.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Wedding is happening and everyone is pretty happy. Except for maybe a few bits of family tension but what wedding doesn't have a bit of that but things get a bit more tense when murder happens.

It seems that something might have went down at the reception that Lucy and Collin didn't know about, some people not gettin along, etc. Then they find one of the guest murdered and Bertie's friend Eddie is missing, things don't look good for Eddie.

So of course Lucy is going to try and figure out where has Eddie taken off too and who might have had motive to kill the victim. There was a few good suspects but I did find it a bit easy at least to me to figure out the killer but I still enjoyed it.

I like this series as the characters are a lot of fun, I love Lucy, the lighthouse library, the folks that work there, just everyone, even the annoying one has grown on me a bit. :)

If your a cozy fan give this series a try!