Stranger in the Library
(Lighthouse Library 11)
Eva Gates



Connor and Lucy McNeil have returned from their European honeymoon.

Turns out the Granger House is hosting a traveling exhibit of American Expressionism, Ceecee, one of the book club members as well as the volunteer coordinator has asked the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library to host an ancillary reproductions event featuring local artists and reproductions of various artists and styles. Much to her pleasure Lucy immediately begins to put together an exhibit on art at the library. After seeing so many wonderful works across Europe Lucy is quite gung-ho to spearhead the project!

As usual, there are strangers visiting this quiet OBX community. One of them immediately becomes smitten with our Louise Jane! The library is broken into that same night the only thing stolen is Louise Jane’s ancestors painting! The police come and new security protocols are suggested. The Granger House is notified and agrees to check their original to ensure it is the original. The painting is returned the next evening with a slashed back suggesting something had been previously hidden. Wanting to see the original Connor and Lucy attend the art event. Before leaving Lucy and Louise Jane visit Josie who catered the event. While walking outside they see something in the pond…. It’s the dead body of Mark!

Everyone is pointing fingers mainly at Tom Reilly. Is Louise Jane interested in a killer again?!

This is a more cerebral book than some of the previous stories. It starts slow and doesn’t ramp up until the last chapter. Stranger in the Library focuses mainly on Louise Jane and her family’s past.

It’s a nice slow read just not something I would read again. If you're looking for a calm, slow-paced mystery book with one instance of mild excitement then this is it! If you’re looking for twists turns chills or thrills then this is not the book for you. I do wonder if the author is setting up for a spin-off series featuring Louise Jane? That would prove interesting!
3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Gates, and the publisher for the ARC.

I love the Lighthouse Library series as its characters are my favorite of any series. The Stranger in the Library is the 11th in the series and I was excited to visit the Outer Banks again.
An art show is coming to town and the library decides to do its own show to celebrate with work of Louisa Jane's ancestor. When a picture goes missing and a visitor in town is murdered, Lucy has another mystery to solve with a new slew of characters as suspects. One of the suspects is Louisa Jane's new love interest and that forces the frenemy duo to work together to find the murderer.
This book took me much longer to read than the earlier ones in series. The characters introduced to town didn't grab me and I confused whose job was what. I did enjoy Louisa Jane and Lucy's budding friendship. But I will still be excited to read #12 and see what troubles Lucy and her friends find in the OuterBanks and how the cliff hanger turns out that readers were left with concerning a main character!
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books, but all opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Stranger in the Library is the eleventh book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series. It is great to come back to Nags Head and to see what new mystery Lucy, the main character, will solve. This time, artwork goes missing and someone is found dead. It was great to see surprisingly positive character development. The mystery was interesting and I wanted to find out how Lucy would solve the entire situation. I recommend The Stranger in the Library to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a library setting.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. This series is familiar to me, and one I enjoy. Lucy, librarian at the Lighthouse Library in Nags Head, NC is excited about a display of priceless art pieces coming to her town and the opportunity to create an accompanying art history disolay. All is going well until a family heirloom painting from the art history display goes missing. Lucy is still puzzling over this at the gala for the priceless art displays opening until they discover that the missing organizer is dead in the pond outside the venue. Lucy is drawn into the investigation due to both her presence there and her history if helping solve murders.

The mystery was engaging. I liked the art angle and the growing role of Lucy's fellow librarian Louise Jane. The cast of characters is a delight. I like how history is involved in the resolution. If you want an intriguing cozy beach murder, this is for you. I recommend checking out the rest of the series as well. Also, can we talk about Charlie, the library cat? I want to snuggle him!

What a fun series! I was super excited to read this one.

This, the 11th entry in the series, picks up where the last left off. Newlyweds Lucy and Connor return from their honeymoon in Paris. The library is participating in an arts review; expensive art is separately housed, but the library is using prints and art made by locals. Louise Jane, a library worker, has allowed a painting by a relative to be displayed--and it goes missing. Lots of intrigue as she and Lucy try to solve the case.

The character development is great in this series and I just love the setting. You could jump in with this one, but I suggest going to the beginning and starting there for a more dynamic read. Have fun with this series!

Pro
* Louise Jane
* Charles
* Familiar community and personalities
* Art show setup
* Title character
* Book club
* Very good pacing
Con
* I don’t buy that a detective is going to reveal the details of an ongoing case to a civilian - it feels like an artificial way to give the clues to the reader.
* Distinction between “true classics” and genre classics is a bit elitist.

Thank you to Eva Gates, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another fun adventure with Lucy and her friends in the Outer Banks. I loved the traveling art show and the interesting characters it brought into town and the mystery that ensued. My only issue with this one is the invitation by the detective for Lucy to investigate with him; I get that she’s got a good eye and he thinks that she’d make a good detective but that didn’t seem right. Otherwise, a good addition to the series and I hope for many more.

The Stranger In The Library is the eleventh book in the A Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.

Lucy and Connor have recently returned from their honeymoon in France and Italy, Where they enjoyed terrific meals, shopping, and visiting various art museums. After enjoying visiting various art museums in Paris, Lucy is looking forward to the American Impressionism art show at the Granger House. The Bodie Island Library also has an art show, but theirs are not original works of art. One of the exhibits is stolen on the first night of the library’s show. None of the library’s staff can understand why since the artwork was a copy of a painting by a deceased resident and far from valuable. The next evening, Lucy goes to the Granger House for the opening of the exhibit. Lucy notices That tensions seem to be running high amongst the people running the art show. Lucy goes outdoors to view the property, and as she approaches a small pond, she finds the body of a dead man. Lucy will work with the local police to learn the identity of the body and who the killer was.

Louise Jane, who works at the library and has often been a thorn in Lucy’s side, has been seeing oneTom Reilly, a member of the team that is organizing the art show, but he has gone missing about the time of death and the police can’t locate him. Lucy is afraid that Louise Jane might have her heart broken if he turns out to be involved in the murder.

This book is another enjoyable addition to this exciting series. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There are enough red herrings that I was kept until the end of the book as to who the murderer was.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

I really enjoyed reading The Stranger In The Library. It's always fun visiting with Lucy and the library crew, eating at Joise's, enjoying the beach, finding dead bodies and figuring out whodunit... Lucy always has the best, and kinda dangerous, adventures.

I eagerly await each new release in this series.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

The Stranger in the Library by Eva Gates takes us back to the Outer Banks and the Lighthouse Library. Connor and Lucy have settled into married life in the home they had started refurbishing. The ground floor was perfect and since they didn’t really need the space, they were saving money to begin work on the second floor. Lucy is still happy in her job at the library and Connor is planning to end his political career and return to being a dentist. Lucy’s newest project at the library is a quasi-art show, paralleling the actual showing of great masters taking place in town. Her show has a copy of a famous painting on black velvet, a collection of fridge magnets of great masters, and a borrowed copy of Louise Jane’s grandmother’s great-grandmother’s father’s painting done by his brother, et al. The man had been an American Impressionist and was well known. His brother, not so much. The real art show opened the night after Lucy’s but was cut short when one of the organizers (not local) was found face down in the koy pond. This started Lucy and Louise Jane, as well as the police, on an investigation. There were plenty of suspects, who didn’t appear to like one another or the dead man, but to find the proof.

This is a well-written series, character-driven, of course, as are most cozy mysteries. Gates has a good handle on developing characters and has amassed a cadre of them on the Outer Banks to rival most other cozies. There are distinct personalities, even in short term characters, that makes them interesting, if not endearing. There is jealousy, greed, love (sort of) and much more in this complicated mystery, that of course, gets solved by all involved. Cozies are called by that name as that is what they are and this is an excellent example. Reading it is like coming home (without the murder). It is comfortable, relaxing, and challenging. Thanks, Eva Gates, for an entertaining afternoon!

I was invited to read The Stranger in the Library by Crooked Lance Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #EvaGates #TheStrangerInTheLibrary

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

This novel is as captivating as each of the earlier books in its series. Many features appeal to me, including the lighthouse with a library in the Outer Banks and the apartment at the top of the lighthouse where Lucy lived until her recent marriage. She and Connor, currently the mayor of Nags Head, just returned from their honeymoon in Europe where they enjoyed some of the finest art museums in France and Italy.

Their return timing was perfect to attend a special traveling exhibit of original American Impressionist art in Nags Head. Lucy had been asked to prepare a smaller display at the library using borrowed copies of famous works from local people or businesses, and books and periodicals on American Impressionism.

Louise Jane, now on staff at the library, comes from a long line of female storytellers. Her family has lived in the Outer Banks for many generations and she has extensive knowledge of OBX history. Louise Jane was a direct descendent of Robert O’Callaghan, a well-known American Impressionist painter. The copy she brought for the library display was of his finest painting, and the original was part of the traveling exhibit. Louise Jane’s grandmother treasured the copy of Robert’s painting as a family heirloom.

The night the display opened at the library, many guests visited and it was very well received. Organizers of the traveling exhibit were among the guests. A handsome man attended who didn’t seem to be associated with any visiting groups, and Louise Jane was interested in him. Lisa, one of the organizers of the upcoming exhibit, was overheard warning someone about the man who introduced himself as Tom Reilly, even commenting that it probably wasn’t his real name. An uninvited local artist named Ivan came in, argued with several people, and was politely escorted to the door. Louise Jane told anybody who stopped to see the copy of her ancestor’s painting all about Robert O’Callaghan.

The people and setting include excellent elements for a great mystery, especially the building in which the American Impressionism exhibit is housed. It has an elegant, renowned garden, and conversely, a dungeon-like cellar that was closed to public access. The killer and the thief of the O’Callaghan copy were clever in covering their tracks. Tom had disappeared and seemed to not exist online. The twists, turns, and the ending were pure edge-of-the-seat brilliance, and I was very satisfied with the conclusion. I highly recommend this novel and series!

Lucy and Connor were invited to attend the opening of the American Impressionism exhibit, as were many who had been at the library. Tom was there, again near Louise Jane. Ivan got in again and was escorted out. A VIP was missing that night. Mark Farrago, whose company was the chief organizer of the event, was to make the opening speech. Lucy, her cousin Josie, and Louise Jane went for a walk in the garden. Unfortunately, they found Mark, dead in the small, shallow pond.

Later that night, the missing copy of the O’Callaghan painting was left on the front step of the library in a large black garbage sack. The only damage was that the backing paper had been slashed and, if anything had been hidden there, it was gone.

The regular characters continue to grow, and their personalities shine through their actions and realistic conversations. Most are very engaging and likable. The people specific to this specific mystery are defined according to their roles, several with sufficient mystique to be investigated for Mark’s murder. Lucy is my favorite, and Charles, the library cat, runs a close second. Louise Jane should get the award for the most improved personality, as she has changed throughout.

The Stranger in the Library is book #11 in the Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates.

I really enjoy this series. It combines a few of my favorites, the Outer Banks, lighthouses, and libraries. The characters are wonderful and it is fun spending a few hours with them. The mystery kept me guessing and I liked how things wrapped up. I recommend this book and the series!

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.

Love this story and the characters were fun and relatable. This author and series are awesome and I look forward to what she has in store next

I did not see that coming at all. Mind you, I was so caught up with all the hijinks Lucy and Louise Jane kept getting pulled into that I wasn’t paying nearly as much attention to the mysteries as I normally do. I enjoyed that so much. It reminded me a bit of some of my favorite heist stories; the ones with a “good” bad guy that you just can’t help but cheer for in spite of yourself. I also had a lot of fun catching up with all the series regulars and learning new things about several of them. And now, with where this book leaves off, I’m more curious than ever about where the author is going to take us in the future.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

“The Stranger in the Library”, the eleventh book in Eva Gates’ Lighthouse Library Cozy Mystery series, finds librarian Lucy McNeil helping the police solve yet another mystery when first a seemingly worthless painting is stolen from an exhibit at the library and then someone is murdered at an art exhibit she is attending. She is also worried about fellow librarian Louise Jane who is captivated by Tom Reilly, an art dealer who may not be who he says he is. This is a nicely done mystery with a perfect blend of real and fictional art – so nicely done that I could not always tell which was real and which was fictional! There are plenty of suspects and some nice twists and turns along the way. The ending, when all is revealed, is extremely well done – tension filled and I was reading as quickly as possible to see what happened next. Finally, the very end of the book left me with a smile on my face!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Happy Publication Day to Eva Gates for The Stranger in the Library, number 11 in her wonderful Lighthouse Library cozy mystery series. This is one of my favorite library/librarian themed cozy mysteries, and I’ve read all of them – I love visiting the Lighthouse Library. (Secretly I sometimes wish I had my very own room like Lucy did/Louise Jane has.)

“Outer Banks librarian Lucy is working on an art show at the library when paintings–and people–start to go missing.”

This feels a little unique since now the police are actively working with Lucy to help solve the mysteries instead of being frustrated by her sleuthing ways. It’s a solid mystery that I couldn’t figure out until the end. I enjoyed watching it all come together. It’s also fun to see Lucy and Connor settle in after their recent wedding and honeymoon.

This series provides great mysteries, wonderful characters and the perfect setting for armchair travel. @crookedlanebooks

While I’m not an art fan at all and the talk of it and history are slightly boring to me, I still enjoyed the mystery behind this book and seeing Lucy in action sleuthing again. I never would’ve thought I’d actually kinda like Louise Jane’s character, ever, but now even though she’s still snarky and everything, she’s a fixture I’d miss, lol. She’s always good for a laugh whether she meant to be funny or not 😉 Will good old LJ really find the love she’s been hoping for with someone from this book? Or…maybe she loves the lighthouse apartment too much to really fall for someone. I guess only time’ll tell on that!

Lucy and Louise Jane were together during the showdown and what led up to it as well as what followed. They did honestly work well together sleuthing and of course, LJ’s always got a trick or two up her sleeve. I’m eager to see what happens in the next book—will it be about what Louise Jane found out she’ll be doing soon?

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

This book wasn't my cup of tea. I think this book series is best to read in order. I had a hard time connecting with the characters or even caring who died and who did it. I just didn't feel any connection.

This is the 11th book in the series, but would work well for new readers, too. I've not read all of the books in this series, but have enjoyed the ones I have read. The main setting of the book is a lighthouse library in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the art scene plays a big role in this book. The library book club's pick for the month, a classic by Patricia Highsmith, may even have a link to the current crimes. I think this is a very clever element of the book.

In The Stranger in the Library, an important exhibit of American Impressionist paintings has come to town and the library is joining in the celebration by hosting their own display of reproductions. Newly married librarian Lucy McNeil is proud of what the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library was able to put together. Things get mysterious when a reproduction painting that only has sentimental value to Lucy's coworker Louise Jane McKaughan and her family, is stolen. Then, one of the organizers of the main art show is killed at the launch party. Is there a connection between these events?

Unlike in some cozy mysteries, the local police chief welcomes Lucy's help in investigating the crime. Sam is short-staffed and knows Lucy's observations have helped solve cases in the past. Lucy's husband, Connor, worries about his wife, but doesn't try to stand in her way. Lucy has an unlikely sleuthing partner this time, Louise Jane, who in the past has been critical of Lucy. This time, Louise Jane has a vested interest in the case since it was her family's painting that was stolen and also because she is developing feelings for a mysterious newcomer that is one of the suspects. Louise Jane can be hard to take, but she has mellowed in this book and I enjoyed seeing her and Lucy team up. The book has some slow parts, but is entertaining as a whole and has a dramatic and satisfying ending.

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

There nothing like starting a new book and begin relaxing and smiling as you are back with good friends. The town has a big art fair going on. Not to be left out the library has one of their own. Neighbors have brought in their own art whether a post card of a well-known painting or a privately owned family copy of a local artist’s print. Opening night is a vast success. Oddly enough the print is stolen that night. The following night the exclusive showing of the art exhibit opens with a lot of odd occurrences including finding someone in the outdoor fountain. Topping off with the discovery of the missing print back on the library stairs. However, the backing of the painting has been opened. Lucy once again becomes involved in solving these two mysteries or maybe one mystery entwined. Loved it!