I was really pleased with this. The series had been sort of lagging, I think because of keeping the story so focused on the library apartment. Now it's picked up again and it's much more interesting than it has been. The story is completely focused on.

The Stranger in the Library: A Lighthouse Library Mystery
By Eva Gates
Crooked Lane Books
June 2024

Review by Cynthia Chow

To tie-in with the arrival of a traveling 19th-century American Impressionism art exhibition to Nags Head, North Carolina, The Bodie Island Library Lighthouse will hosting its own, smaller event. Assistant library director Lucy McNeil has been assigned the duties of finding the imitation art pieces, displaying them alongside art history books. Since Lucy’s new husband Connor is the mayor of Nags Head, they have been invited to the catered party being thrown for the real exhibit, “American Expressionism: A Comprehensive Retrospective.” Mark Farrago is the chief organizer who planned the event, but he goes MIA during the party and leaves it to the very-prepared sponsor Lisa McMahon to make the welcoming remarks. Mark’s absence is explained when Lucy finds his body floating in the conference center’s koi pond, dead not by a drunken fall but something that proves to be far more nefarious.

By now, the Nags Head police lead detective Sam Watson has become accustomed to Lucy’s talent for criminal investigations and her surprising ability to coax out information from suspects. And since it was his own art-activist wife who first encouraged the library’s involvement, Detective Watson is rather resigned to the Bodie Lighthouse Library staff once again being in the middle of his case. Lucy’s co-worker and frenemy Louise Jane McKaughnan claims to be a descendant of one of the library art exhibit artists, but Robert O’Callaghan was a local artist more famous for his reproductions than any actual valuable paintings. That’s why when one of his imitation art pieces is stolen out of the Lighthouse the motives are confusing, and both Lucy and Louise Jane wonder if there was perhaps more to the painting than they previously thought. Louise Jane may be a little distracted though, as the arrival of the handsome and possibly shady Tom Reilly triggers her instincts to immediately fall for the wrong man. Besides learning of his apparent multiple identities, the two library workers encounter Mark’s not-so-mournful wife, a combative rejected artist, and Lisa McMahon’s disruptive daughter who delights in all of the chaos.

While a Bodie Island Lighthouse in the Outer Banks actually exists, it’s without the library and its enormous Tardis-like interior. Its uniqueness, and the tourist-attracting Nags Head setting, was enough to inspire this library-loving mystery series that follows the adventures of Lucy Richardson McNeil and her friends. Library cat Charles- named after Charles Dickens - carpools from their home to the Lighthouse Library every workday, and the library bookclub coincidentally tackles the Patricia Highsmith selection of Ripley Under Ground. The details of art verification, along with the nuances of art appreciation and valuation, are woven into the plot and prove to be as fascinating as the descriptions of the enviable Bodie Lighthouse Library. This 11th in the series builds up to a surprise confrontation and clock-ticking-down escape, making this a thrilling bibliophile mystery set in the coziest of library settings.

If you are planning to head to the Outer Banks this summer, you may want to steer clear of the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. Okay, so the library is fictional. But if it were an actual place you might think twice about visiting. Every time there is a special event head librarian Lucy winds up discovering a body or being involved in a murder investigation. If once is accident, twice is coincidence, and three times is enemy action...what is eleven times? A delightfully fun cozy mystery series, that's what.

Lucy and her staff at the library have put together a wonderful display about art history to complement a traveling show of impressionist art that is coming to nearby Nags Head, North Carolina. A librarian from the National Archives in Washington who is visiting in the area comes to see the display and comments, "Educational, informative, as it should be. But most of all you've obviously had a great deal of fun with it."

Too bad everyone isn't as appreciative. The next morning a painting is missing. Then a body is found outside the opening night reception of the traveling art show. Lucy keeps overhearing or seeing disagreements between the show's organizers. An overly charming art dealer sweeps Louise Jane off her feet. Is he doing it to divert suspicion or to get inside information on the investigation? Will there be another body soon if the case isn't solved?

As always this book can be read as a stand-alone. For those of us who have been reading the series all along, it is another chance to catch up on our favorite characters. Lucy and her husband Connor, the mayor. Charles the library cat. Police detective Sam Watson. Louise Jane and her endless supply of stories about her family and the history of the area - and now apparently her connection to the art world.

This is book 11 in the Lighthouse Library series. I have not read them all but enough to know this is a wonderful cozy series for the book lover's genre. Lucy and the library staff are setting up an art show for their small town friends and making publicity for the gala set to raise money of original art. With locals donating pictures from their walls, no one thought there would be a theft but one day later there is a large hole in the display. The next night at the original works show, it more than theft, it's murder. As always, Lucy and the Lighthouse staff investigate. enjoy

The next library lighthouse mystery finds Lucy and co hosting an art exhibit at the library. First, a painting gets stolen, and then a man ends up murdered. Lucy sets out to find the culprit.

This one took a little longer to get to the murder than previous in this series, and was a little slow to start (maybe because of that). however, once we get to the real mystery, it definitely picked up a lot! We get some interesting side character development here, and it was overall a good mystery.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It’s another gem in the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library series!

When a traveling show of impressionist art comes to Nags Head, librarian Lucy and her team are excited to create an educational display. But when a reproduction goes missing, and a party-goer is found dead, Lucy dives into another thrilling investigation. 🎨💼

With its intriguing plot, charming setting, and beloved characters, this book is a fantastic addition to the series. Eva Gates never disappoints with her cozy mysteries, and I’ll always recommend her work!

I always enjoy my visits with Lucy and her friends. This latest case for Lucy, Seth and the rest of her crew was interesting. I liked the art element to the story and the mysteries definitely kept me guessing. Good read.

This is the 11th book in the Lighthouse Library mystery series.

Lucy is working on an art show at the library. It is to be filled with reproductions and copies as an educational display and is to complement a traveling show of impressionist art. The library show is a great success with one exception. A reproduction of a local artist goes missing after the show closes. It has little monetary value so why would someone steal it? That's he beginning of this mystery.

The following day the traveling show has their grand opening. It seems to be a great success as well, until it's time for the speeches. The main organizer just not there to give his welcoming speech. Has he gone missing as well?

In the meantime, art collector Tom Reilly has caught the eye of librarian Louise Jane.

As the event is winding down, Lucy and friends visit the garden to get a breath of fresh air. On their walk they find a body of a party-goer floating in the koi pond. Who is it?

When police are interviewing everyone they realize Tom Reilly has left the event. The police look for him the next day but it seems that he is gone missing, too.

The missing (and dead) people and the missing painting make for a great mystery. I enjoyed it very much.

#thestrangerinthelibrary

I love how excited the town and the library staff were for the upcoming art show. I don't remember ever living in a place that supports the arts and learning as much as Nag's Head does in this book, although I would love it if that were the case.

I was not able to guess who the killer was, so that was a pleasant surprise. I love that Lucy experienced a really close call in this novel, too often there are no real consequences for the amateur sleuths.

Looking forward to reading the next installment in the Lighthouse Library mystery series.

Dollycas's Thoughts

The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library has created an educational display about art history to coincide with an impressionist art traveling show coming to Nags Head. Several residents have loaned their personal impressionist reproductions or imitations to display in addition to all the books Lucy and the staff are featuring for the event. The display's launch was very well attended but when Lucy arrives the next morning she notices one of the reproductions was missing. Yes, it was a reproduction of a famous painting by an Outer Banks artist but it was a reproduction. Who would want to steal it?

Lucy and other members of the library staff were invited to the opening night of the traveling show. She attends with her new husband, the mayor, Connor. They both notice the show's organizers are upset that the man pegged to give the welcome speech is late. Another steps in to welcome the guests but as the event is winding down the tardy organizer is found murdered on the grounds floating in a fish pond.

Does the missing painting have anything to do with the murder? Or is there a thief and a killer on the Outer Banks? With some assistance from her friends, Lucy intends to paint one or both into a corner.

___

I love this series and Ms. Gates never disappoints. She makes it so easy to escape to my fictional happy place, The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is a special place that amazingly contains everything a library needs and more.

Newlyweds Lucy and Connor are settling into married life after honeymooning in France. Their jobs keep both of them very busy but they always make time for and support each other. The author has surrounded them with great people. The library staff, Bertie, Denise, Ronald, and Louise Jane, all helped with the library's art event. Louise Jane played a larger role in this story. Charles the library cat was on hand to greet the guests. Lucy's cousin Josie, catered both of the events.  All are available to help Lucy sleuth, either by her side or covering for her at the library.  All these characters are genuine and are developing at a realistic pace. Each book feels like I am catching up with my fun literary friends.

Ms. Gates introduces several new characters in the traveling tour organizers and their entourages. All had a purpose in the story and were each interesting in their own way.

The author plotted out a complicated mystery. Lucy did what she does best, research. She delved into all the suspect's lives to get answers. She meets face-to-face with them as well. I was happy to see they met in public places, but she and Louise Jane took a huge risk that definitely had chilling consequences. I wasn't sure they were going to get out of this one. Would the series end after 11 installments?  I trusted that Eva Gates would get our heroine out of the mess she got herself into but I had no idea how she was going to do it. My Kindle was steaming as the pages were flying.

The Stranger in the Library is a brilliant addition to this series. I loved everything about it. From the wonderful lighthouse library to Connor and Lucy's home on the beach, to the Granger House where the real art was displayed. Each place was easily envisioned. Add to that delightful characters and an outstanding mystery with an edge-of-my-seat ending and you have a story worth more than 5 stars. This book receives my Paradise Rating and a spot on my Best Reads List for 2024.

Until next year, Ms. Gates . . .

Another fantastic installment in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. This is number 11 and while it could be read as a standalone, it will make more sense read as part of the series. And honestly, the series is so phenomenal you'd be doing yourself a favour starting with number 1. I want to live in this book's setting so badly. The lighthouse, the library, the charming town, the bakery! I love it all. The murder mystery here was interesting but I actually found some of the art mystery even more compelling. The victim wasn't well-known to us so I sometimes forgot he was the reason for the investigation. I continue to love visiting the Outer Banks through this series and look forward to the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

I know these books are essantially all the same, but I still love them. I particularly enjoy the setting, and, as I am also a public library director, I really feel a lot of what happens in the lighthouse library in my bones. :)

I like the cast of characters in these books, and this one was no different. There was a little bit of a difference because Louise Jane actually had a REASON to be involved, and wasn't just sticking her nose in the middle of things in an effore to annoy Lucy.

This mystery surrounded a stolen painting reproduction from the library display, a move that confuses people because the reproduction has no value. There are some twists in this story, as well as a lot of fun and some adventure.

Overall, this is exactly the type of book fans of this series should expect.

11th book in the series was entertaining and comforting. In a rash of bad to mediocre books of late, this one stood out as being exceptional. Excellent plotting, characters that are relatable and developed, and no cowering, anxiety riddled nonsense to be found!

The Stranger in the Library" by Eva Gates is a gripping mystery novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. With its well-crafted plot, intriguing characters, and atmospheric setting, this book is a must-read for cozy mystery fans.
Lucy Richardson is a likable and determined heroine who is not afraid to take risks in order to solve the mystery. The supporting cast, including Lucy's friends
and co-workers each have their own unique personalities and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the author or new to her work, this novel is sure to leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

When a traveling show of impressionist art comes to Nags Head, North Carolina, librarian Lucy and the staff at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library are inspired to create an educational display about art history. Their launch of the display is a huge success, but the morning after, they discover that a reproduction of a famous painting has gone missing.

No one knows why anyone would bother stealing it: the picture is of no value–the real, priceless painting is under lock and key at the art show itself. Lucy gets an invite to the glitzy opening night for the real show, where she notices unusual tension among the show’s organizers. Then, the man scheduled to give the welcoming speech fails to arrive, and a partygoer is discovered drowned in a fishpond.

Meanwhile, Louise Jane is totally captivated by Tom Reilly, a handsome, charming art dealer lurking at the edges of the receptions on both nights. Tom slipped away from the party early, and he cannot be located by the police. Who, Lucy asks, is Tom Reilly, the shadowy figure threatening to break Louise Jane’s heart?

Something is afoot in Nags Head, and it’s up to Lucy and her friends to get to the bottom of it before it’s not just paintings being framed.

I was planning on being an art teacher, so starting the novel about art history immediately grabbed my attention. I was captured by the mystery of the painting and the artist. It will be interesting to read about Louise Jane and what happens after Paris.

I took a point off because of what Louise Jane and Lucy did at the end of the book. Especially because Lucy still allows Louise Jane to push her around. Would it be possible for Lucy to grow up a bit more in the next book?

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Eva Gates romps through this exciting cozy set in the Lighthouse Library in Nag's Head in The Stranger in the Library. Lucy, the librarian, curates a library art show of copies of great art at her library to bookend the show of old masters in town. Someone steals a copy of an impressionist painting by a long dead local artist and rips something from the back of it. The commentator on the historic art show is found face down in a pond by Lucy. What could go wrong?

I have loved the books I have read in the Lighthouse Library series by Eva Gates. The characters are so well developed and the story line will keep you invested in the story. I found myself flipping through the pages quickly to see if I could figure out whodunit. Lucy and Connor are a wonderful couple and it is entertaining to see them begin their life as newlyweds. Then you factor in the quirky Louise-Jane and you know you will be in for a treat when you open the book and absorb the first word. There are twists and turns and lots of clues that will help you as you fly through the pages to experience life with this wonderful group of people. I do wish there was a library in the Bodie Island Lighthouse at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I would be visiting there all the time! I can’t wait for the next adventure with the Lighthouse Library gang.

I've enjoyed this series from the beginning and I was so excited to check in with Lucy, Connor and the rest of the Lighthouse Library crew. I do love a cozy mystery with a fun bookish setting and this book had that in spades - plus an art heist.

Lucy and Connor are adjusting to married life and are getting back to the regular life after their European honeymoon. This starts off with a major art exhbit both at the library and at a local landmark. Strange things start happening, people start disappearing, a dead body shows up, and Louise Jane and Charles the library cat are right in the middle of things adding their own special dash of chaos.

This is a good cozy series with likable characters, a fun bookish element, a unique setting, and clever mysteries. I really enjoyed this mystery and my visit to the Lighthouse Library!

The Stranger in the Library is the eleventh cozy mystery in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. The Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is holding an educational exhibit on art history and is an array of reproductions on display. When one of the reproductions goes missing no one can figure out why. The piece wasn’t worth much and shouldn’t have been the first piece targeted. Lucy is intrigued by this theft, but he no farther insight right away. Another twist is thrown in when Lucy is attending an art gala and finds a dead body. Could the theft and the murder be connected or are they two separate acts? Lucy is determined to get to the bottom of both mysteries and won’t be able to stop until the culprits are uncovered.

I am a huge fan of this cozy mystery series and was excited to see this latest book come out. It didn’t disappoint! I was pulled in from the very beginning and happily followed along with Lucy as she worked the case. I love the characters and setting in this series and find the mysteries to be fun and engaging. Lucy is a great main character and I love her personality and sleuthing skills. This series is currently one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Lucy and the gang! If you are looking for a good cozy that can be read as a standalone or part of a series, this one is worth the try!

This was good [and I mean very good] until it wasn't. The narrator was better than usual, until she too, wasn't [IF you're going to be a professional narrator, PLEASE learn how to pronounce names, especially one as recognizable as RENOIR!!], and a book I was initially enjoying became something much different.

As someone who has had a serious love/dislike relationship with these books [it took me to book 6 to real!y love this series, only to watch it devolved again in book 9], I keep hoping for more from these books, but I keep being disappointed; such is the case here. As my opinions about this book are in the minority [and extremely unpopular], I will not go into any details as to why. I am very glad this book worked for so many; I can only be sad that I too was not one of them.

Thank you to NetGalley, Eva Gates, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.