From the start, I had a sense of déjà vu with this book. The story offers familiar territory as Lucy, the main character, continues her mishaps and lacks common sense. For instance, she invites a man she barely knows into her home late at night, which is both ridiculous and sets a frustrating tone for the narrative. After twelve books, I was looking for some character growth, especially given the premise of her being a married amateur sleuth. However, her continual ignorance makes it feel like we're stuck in a time loop. Although the writing is warm and engaging, the pacing is uneven and the mystery unfolds haphazardly. Lucy's failure to understand basic investigation methods, especially her dismissive attitude towards grieving teens, detracts from the emotional depth the series used to have. It’s difficult to reconcile the intelligent librarian with the character who seems incapable of learning from her experiences with crime. While "Shot Through the Book" has moments of beautiful prose and relatable community aspects, these get overshadowed by improbable decisions and disappointing plot twists, that have me wondering if I will continue reading the series.

Lucy McNeil is happily married to Mayor Connor McNeil, and works at the Lighthouse Library. The employees are organizing an event to bring in young adult authors, and especially well-known author Todd Harrison. But the night of the meeting, which Lucy was unfortunately late to, Todd shows up at her house unannounced. He states he'd like to speak with her about him, and being a good host, she asks him to wait on the deck while she gets them some iced tea.

But when Lucy returns a short time later, Todd is dead...and whoever killed him is long gone. After telling the police that she only met him that day and didn't know why he was at her house, she thought would be the end of it. But it wasn't.

The widow was blaming her for the death, town teens are haunting the place where Todd died (her home) and her life has just been upended once more. Lucy is trying to stay out of the investigation, but things keep going wrong and she keeps getting pulled in. Will she find a killer or will she put herself in danger once again...

This is the twelfth book in the series, and I have read them all. I've come to grow fond of all the characters, and watched them change over time, which isn't a bad thing at all. This book was different in that it centered around Lucy and her relatives weren't in the book much, which is fine; there was enough action with the other characters to keep things interesting.

Lucy isn't happy that the teens are haunting her home, and even Connor is getting tired of cleaning up the 'tributes' to Todd. When Lucy finds out that it's not going to end, she goes into hyper mode to figure out who the true murderer is.

I really enjoyed this book, except for one part at the end, which I won't name here, but I was disappointed that it was even mentioned, much less added. Those who have read the book will discover what I am talking about (hopefully) and those who have not read it -- maybe it won't change your perception at all, since it is my own opinion.

Other than that, I liked the way the story came together, and the killer was definitely a surprise; still, no one knows what goes on in the mind of a murderer, right? It made the story more believable and gave it more push. I do enjoy Ms. Gates's writing, and I love this series especially. (I read other of her series as well and enjoy them as much). When you find a talented writer, you know it, and Ms. Gates fits the bill.

In the end, everything came together nicely, and gave us a look as to what is to come in the next book. I look forward to it immensely. Recommended.

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

I enjoy this series and this book as no exception. While I did think the ending was a bit rushed overall, I found this to be a fun cozy mystery. I’m not sure how I feel about the two big shocks at the very end of the book, but I’m still looking forward to reading more of this series when it next comes out.

Another great entry to a wonderful series! I so loved the mystery in this book, it kept be guessing the whole time! The characters were well done, and kept me entertained! I would recommend this book to everyone!

The Lighthouse Library series is another that I enjoy. Lucy MacNeil's life changes dramatically over the course of the series, and while one cold jump right in, this is one that I thin benefits from starting at the beginning. This time, the Lighthouse Library staff are very excited at an upcoming young adult book festival that will be highlighted with an appearance by bestselling author Todd Harrison, whose YA series is wildly popular. Todd and his wife Heather have recently relocated to the Outer Banks and Todd appears to be delighted to participate in local events, no matter how small, and his participation has enhanced the reputation of the festival. Todd unexpectedly;y shows up at Lucy's house, and while she's inside getting them some lemonade, is killed on her porch. While Lucy tries to discover who would kill Todd, she's fighting against everyone's suspicions that she must be involved given where Todd was murdered. There was an interesting subplot involving Todd's obsessed fan club that is woven into the story quite well. Despite the number of folks now that have died near the Bodie Island Lighthouse, it's a location and community that I think would be a fun place to visit if it were real, and Ms. Gates does a very good job making it seem real.

[Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC with honesty.]

Another fun installment with the Bodie Island Lighthouse group and their shenanigans. This was a very interesting mystery with getting glimpses of the author world and their fans. Lucy continues to keep surprising herself although I do like that she's gotten a little more aware of herself.

The suspects always seem to be frustratingly fun to read about - albeit some you wanted to reach through the pages and give a good right hook.

Had a lot of fun with this book and will continue to read. Especially for Charles. Always Charles.

Anyone looking for a fun and cozy mystery of murder and libraries with guard cats, this is for you!

Rating: 3.75 Stars (rounded up)

Ooh, will this new development keep Lucy from sleuthing? Only the next book or two will tell.

I love that these mysteries take place in and around a lighthouse library and that the library has a cat. Despite being allergic, I would love to visit a library cat.
Eva wrote Heather very well, no only did I not feel bad for the new widow, I was rooting for her to be arrested or taken down. Absolutely disliked that character!

I was able to guess the killer as soon as they were introduced. I don't think it was anything that Eva wrote or gave away, they just had those killer vibes.

Can't wait to read the next book in the series, once it has been written and published.

This was the perfect book to follow up the recent duds I’ve picked out! I have always loved this series but the behind-the-scenes of setting up a book festival added so much to my enjoyment of this story. The mystery was well-paced and plotted and had me turning the pages until I could figure out who the guilty party was (and I didn’t figure it out until the reveal!). I always love catching up with the residents of the Outer Banks and enjoyed the glimpse into their lives without it overshadowing the mystery. Looking forward to the next.

This series is always a solid favorite of mine. I live near the OBX and pass by the Bodie Island Lighthouse often. I can easily imagine all the places the author describes in her books. This series is a great beach/summer read. You're clued in to a major development in the ongoing series very early on the book. I just love Charles -the author does a great job of describing a very cat like attitude with Charles. Lucy and Connor's relationship is a bit too perfect but that is part of the escapism that works so well with this series. I suspected the killer earlier on before the reveal but I suspect that is exactly when the author wanted us to start to consider that character. I highly recommend this series to cozy fans. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eArc.

Another solid installment in one of my longtime cozy series. This is a series I have been reading for years and I always enjoy Lucy’s adventures. This mystery was good, it kept me guessing and the culprit was a bit of a surprise. I also liked the character developments as well. Enjoyed!

Twelve books in, and I still want to move to the Outer Banks and work in a lighthouse library. This series just keeps getting better.

Another great trip to the Outer Banks in book 12 of the Lighthouse Library Cat Mystery series with Shot through the Book. When a YA author is killed on librarian Lucy’s beach patio she becomes a suspect and needs to join her usual crew to find the actual killer.
This is always a fun cozy mystery, and I did not figure out the murderer before the ending. The author gives the reader many new characters as suspects, including an ex-wife of victim. I really liked that the library’s best family the Petersons played a major role in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series where a lot of change is going to happen.
I received a complimentary copy of this books thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

This is one of my favorite series, and while I love the fact that the setting is a YA festival, it was a lot. The novel starts immediately with the murder and it felt like being hit in the face. Neither Lucy nor the reader knew the victim, why he was where he was, or why he was murdered. I think that made it easier for the reader to connect with Lucy. We were all on the same page (pun intended!)

I lowered a point because of the grieving widow. While I wouldn’t have cared much about her motives, this is one of those cliches that I can do without. Especially when the law enforcement higher-ups also act without common sense. It comes dangerously close to the officer hating the amateur when they should simply acknowledge their input without antagonism.

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

Bodie Island Lighthouse staff are preparing for their Lighthouse Library Young Adult Authors Festival, with the main attraction being bestselling fantasy writer Todd Harrison. Even though Lucy McNeil is a librarian and former resident of the apartment in the Lighthouse, she doesn’t expect to have Todd knocking on her door wanting her help. Before she can find out exactly why he’s come to her she finds Todd right after he had stepped back outside, shot dead with an arrow through the chest.

What Lucy quickly discovers is that her reputation as an amateur detective has spread, and for that reason Todd may have been wanting Lucy’s assistance in an investigation. She’s distracted when Todd’s wife arrives in the Outer Banks, accompanied by an assistant and her own cameraman. Heather Harrison returned to Bodie Island in anticipation of her run as state senator, and she intends to use accusations against Lucy as a launchpad for her campaign. Thrown into the mix are a group of teens who fall on the “fanatic” side of fandom, holding candlelight vigils outside of Lucy’s home. When they go even further it alarms Lucy enough to wonder if perhaps one of them may have learned the archery skills so prominent in Todd Harrison’s books. Rumors that Todd had been planning to end his book series had his readers stirred up and possibly furious, and while not rational their fury may have led to them lashing out at the person they held responsible. Complicating matters further is that one of the local authors is not only willing to step in as a featured presenter, she accuses Todd of having stolen her idea for his books.

The egos of authors and politicians collide in this 12th of the series, making it a combustible situation ready for murder. An added attraction for readers and writers will be the Bodie Lighthouse Library book festival, and bibliophiles will be envious of the planned panels, featured programs, and book celebrations. Fans of this long-running series will enjoy seeing the return of the library crew, especially now that the former jealous irritant Louise Jane is now a more helpful staff member now that she has finally attained her dream by living in the lighthouse apartment Lucy recently vacated. Lucy’s marriage to the town mayor is progressing nicely, and fans will especially enjoy seeing them happily forming a life together in this idyllic town. The mystery plays out in the background as the business side of the publishing world presents itself as being as lethal as the fictional books they promote. This is another witty, very entertaining entry in the series that explores local politics, toxic fandom, and the business side of writing.

Another awesome visit to the Lighthouse Library and surrounding area. I love this series of books because of the unique cast of characters throughout the library, the town and more. The author has created a core cast that you are absolutely intrigued and entertained by. I anxiously await the next book each time as I can't wait to see what is happening in the characters' lives, especially the main character, Lucy. However, I am also in love with the series because the library is set inside an old lighthouse which would be the epitome of cool for me. I absolutely love lighthouses and libraries are my favorite places to visit as they give you a true sense of a community. It is amazing to me how the author has captured that sense of community in her fictional world revolving around the lighthouse library. The author also weaves a compelling mystery in each book and this book was no exception. It was intriguing to see the method of murder used in this book and how she laid out the crime, the investigation and of course, the reveal of the culprit. Once again captivating me with a fantastic murder mystery, great character interactions and exciting life events coming for our favorite characters. I can't wait until the next book is ready to be devoured!!!

Book Review: Shot Through the Book by Eva Gates

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently dove into Shot Through the Book, the twelfth entry in the Lighthouse Library mystery series by Eva Gates, and I have to say, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read that earned a solid four stars from me.

This installment features Lucy McNeil, our ever-curious librarian sleuth, tackling a puzzling murder all on her own. The story kicks off with the much-anticipated YA book festival at the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library, drawing in famous authors from far and wide. Everything takes a dark turn when Todd Harrison, a bestselling author and virtual stranger to Lucy, shows up unexpectedly at her beach house. Before she knows it, Todd is found dead on her deck—murdered in the brief moments she stepped away.

What follows is a gripping mystery as Lucy tries to piece together why Todd wanted a private meeting and how someone managed to kill him so quickly. The arrival of Todd’s widow, Heather Harrison, adds another layer of complexity; rather than mourning, Heather seems driven by political ambition, setting her sights on a senate run and using Todd’s death as fuel—while also targeting the local police and Lucy herself.

Caught between grieving fans, rival authors jockeying for attention, and a widow with an agenda, Lucy is thrust into a web of intrigue she must unravel before justice slips through her fingers.

What really stood out to me was how well this book worked as a standalone, so even if you haven’t read the earlier books in the series, you won’t feel lost. The writing is sharp and well-paced, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The setting—the Outer Banks with its charming lighthouse library—really adds atmosphere and character to the story. Plus, I found the cast of characters genuinely likable and well-drawn, which made the mystery all the more engaging.

And I have to mention the cover—absolutely delightful and eye-catching!

All in all, Shot Through the Book was a solid mystery that kept me guessing without overwhelming me. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a smart, resourceful protagonist and a seaside vibe, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

In “Shot Through the Book” the twelfth book in Eva Gates Lighthouse Library Cozy Mystery Series, librarian Lucy McNeil finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation when an author, whom she barely knows, visits her at home and is murdered while there. Lucy is determined to investigate the case – not only is she one of the suspects, but the victim’s wife’s has political ambitions and doesn’t care who she ruins along the way, and her house and yard are full of mourning teenagers.

I really like this series and this book is another great entry in the series. I love the Lighthouse Library Setting, Lucy and her husband, and Lucy’s coworkers. The mystery has a nice set up – an upcoming Young Adult Book Festival – which provides plenty of suspects and the murder weapon is unique. Truthfully, I did figure out about halfway through who the killer was but I still enjoyed reading along to make sure that I was right and the scene where all was revealed was done just right. All in all am enjoyable book.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I enjoy this series and this book as no exception. While I did think the ending was a bit rushed overall I found this to be a fun cozy mystery. Lucy and her colleagues at the library are planning a young adult book festival. Their headliner author Todd surprises Lucy asking if he can talk to her one evening before the festival. Unfortunately he is shot and killed with a bow and arrow. His widow breezes into town in an abrasive way and Todd’s biggest fans keep coming back to Lucy’s home to honor the deceased author as the characters in his books would have. Lucy tries not to investigate this one but she can’t help but pulled in no matter how hard she tries to stay away. I’m not sure how I feel about the two big shocks at the very end of the book, but I’m still looking forward to reading more of this series when it next comes out.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

We are back at the Outer Banks in North Carolina, where the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library is planning a young adult book festival that will host two local authors and bestselling author Todd Harrison, who has recently moved to the area. Children’s librarian Ronald Burkowski is in charge of booking the authors, with Louise Jane and Lucy in charge of logistics, promotion, and other details. All the people involved attended a meeting where everything was on track and ready for the event. This is why Lucy is confused when Todd Harrison knocks on the door of her newly remodeled Outer Banks beach house.

After Lucy invites the author in, directs him to the deck, and gets him a beverage, she returns to the deck to find him dead in his chair. How could a murder happen that fast with no one to be seen? Lucy needs to know. But then Heather Harrison, the victim’s widow, starts to cause chaos, even pointing to Lucy as the killer and needing to draw attention to herself, while accusing the police department as incompetent and showing favoritism. This forces the chief to order Detective Sam Watson to keep Lucy out of this case. It seems the widow plans to run for State Senate and intends to use cleaning up corruption and influence in local law enforcement as her campaign agenda, and he doesn’t want to give her any type of ammunition against his department.

While Lucy tries to deal with Todd Harrison’s fans turning her home and deck into a shrine, the victim’s widow taunting her at her home and the library, and two local authors ready to step in to take Todd’s place and arguing about it, she decides she needs to do her thing and investigate this murder. She just hopes Sam Watson will be receptive to her information so they can throw the book at the killer ASAP!

I am delighted to be back at my happy place – the Bodie Island Lighthouse Library. It is such a special place. I know I could easily spend every day there, so I didn’t miss a thing.

Ms. Gates has created true-to-life characters who have felt like friends from the start, and that feeling gets stronger with each new story. The library staff, Bertie, Denise, Ronald, and Louise Jane, all pitch in to make the YA book festival a success while Charles, the library cat, looks on or settles into his favorite chair for a nap. Now that Louise Jane has a man in her life, although it’s a long-distance relationship, she isn’t quite as annoying. She still likes to tell her stories. She even gets a small part in the festival. Connor and Lucy’s relationship is so sweet. They have settled into a comfortable routine as he handles his mayoral duties and a few dental appointments on the side, and she works her library hours with some amateur sleuthing to keep her busy. I love the way they enjoy the quiet times, together or separately. Those quiet times were few and far between this time as they dealt with some heavy things in this book.

The author introduced Heather Harrison, a woman on a mission, brash as could be, with a small entourage. We also have a character who has usually floated through scenes over the years but has now grown up to have a pivotal place in Shot Through the Book.

The murder in this story had a very unique weapon. The police even needed to bring in experts to help them with the case. Lucy really did try to stay out of the investigation at first, but with it happening at her house and her reputation for solving murders, it was too hard. We all knew she would be involved. Especially, with the victim’s crazy wife traveling around town with her cameraman and assistant, causing trouble. Bertie had a great moment when they came to the library. I always enjoy tagging around with Lucy as she follows clues and pieces the puzzle together. I was focused on the killer a bit before Lucy, but let me tell you the reveal and takedown were exciting and oh! so! satisfying. I loved it!

Marvelous characters wrapped up in a terrifically plotted mystery made Shot Through the Book a wonderfully entertaining read! There are some changes ahead. One will make fans very happy, and another sad, but I am so enthusiastic to return to the Outer Banks and my happy place to see what Ms. Gates has planned for her characters next!

It was an entertaining book, I wanted to keep reading. The action was early in the book which I liked, it didn’t drag. I had a great time.